Incident Overview
During an airplane check out flight, a pilot receiving instruction performed a simulated engine failure maneuver. As the aircraft entered the landing flare, the pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of energy," causing the right wing to contact the runway.
Instructor Account
The flight instructor stated that the airplane was approximately 5 feet above the runway when it aerodynamically stalled. The right wing subsequently dropped and struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the wing structure.
Aircraft Condition
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The damage was limited to the right wing.
Sequence of Events
- A simulated engine failure was conducted as part of the instructional flight.
- During the landing flare, the aircraft experienced a loss of energy.
- At an altitude of about 5 feet, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall.
- The right wing dropped and impacted the runway.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Investigation Findings
The investigation documented no evidence of mechanical issues that could have contributed to the event. The incident appears to have resulted from the aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control during the simulated engine failure practice.