Incident Overview
A flight instructor reported that during an approach at low level, the airplane experienced a sudden altitude loss attributed to wind shear. The pilot responded by increasing engine power to full, but the tailwheel-equipped airplane touched down "harder than normal." The impact with the airstrip involved a side load, causing the left wing and left landing gear to separate. The airplane slid to a stop and came to rest upright.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The instructor pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The instructor noted that "wind shear conditions" were present on the approach. The pilot reported the wind from 180 degrees, light and variable at 7 to 10 knots. The automated weather observation station, located on the airport about 8 nautical miles away, reported wind from 200° at 9 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; cloud condition few at 11,000 feet AGL; temperature 61°F; dew point 39°F; and barometric setting of 29.80 inches Hg.