The pilot receiving instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, the airplane touched downed abruptly. He added that he taxied to the edge of the runway and observed that the airplane was leaning to the left.

The flight instructor reported that the pilot leveled off about 3 ft above the ground and allowed the airspeed to decrease. He added that he instructed the pilot to add power to "cushion the landing" and the pilot attempted to, but the airplane continued to decelerate until it aerodynamically stalled and landed hard on the left main landing gear.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.