Accident Details
A flight instructor was providing instruction to a private pilot who had not flown for an extended period and was working to become current. After completing a session of flight maneuver training, the two returned to the airport for landing practice. During the flare for the third landing, with the private pilot at the controls, a wind gust pushed the left wing downward, causing it to strike the ground. The pilot subsequently completed the landing and taxied off the runway.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing rear spar. According to the flight instructor, there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or its engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Instructor's Remarks
The flight instructor added that, in his assessment, if he had positioned his hands on or very near the controls during the landing, the accident could have been prevented.