Accident Details
According to the pilot under examination, the accident occurred during a short field landing to the runway 17 numbers as part of his single-engine airplane flight instructor practical examination. During the transition from final approach to the flare, the bottom of the fuselage struck an aircraft traffic monitoring camera system. The camera system was located approximately 125 feet north of the runway 17 threshold and stood about 8 inches in height.
Immediate Actions
After striking the camera, the pilot added power and landed the airplane on the runway 17 numbers. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar.
NOTAM Information
No NOTAMs regarding the use of the aircraft traffic monitoring camera system were issued at the time of the accident. However, the next day, a NOTAM regarding the deployment of the camera system was issued by the airport manager.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.