Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a lesson focused on takeoffs, landings, and go-around procedures. During a go-around, the student retracted the flaps excessively, prompting the instructor to emphasize proper flap settings. On the subsequent downwind leg, the tower reported a crosswind from the south gusting to 18 knots.
Approach and Go-Around Attempt
During the approach, the airplane drifted left of the runway centerline. The instructor called for a go-around. The student applied full power and reduced flaps from 40° to 10°, deviating from the prescribed 25° for the go-around procedure. Noticing that the airplane was not climbing and the student was not correcting the course, the instructor took control.
Loss of Control and Impact Sequence
The instructor attempted to recover but found the airplane in a nose-high attitude. The airplane struck the ground, then lifted off, flying slowly toward a sign. The instructor pulled up to avoid the sign, but the airplane struck the sign, aerodynamically stalled, and impacted the ground to the right of the runway.
Damage and Operational Status
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Information
The automated weather observation station at the accident airport reported wind from 110° at 8 knots at the time of the accident. The airplane was landing on runway 7L. (Note: The tower had earlier advised a crosswind from the south gusting to 18 knots.)
Reference to FAA Guidance
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3B) discusses go-around procedures, emphasizing that after establishing climb attitude and power, flaps should be retracted partially and cautiously to avoid loss of lift and settling into the ground.
Conclusion
The sequence of events involved improper flap retraction during a go-around, leading to a loss of lift and subsequent impacts. No official probable cause was stated in the report.