History of the Flight
The instructor briefed the student on circuit emergency procedures. After an orbit at 1,500 ft agl to identify suitable landing areas, the student completed a circuit. The instructor demonstrated an abandoned takeoff, then took control for an engine failure after takeoff (EFATO) demonstration.
At 150 ft agl, the throttle was set to idle, nose lowered to gliding attitude, and a landing area assessed. Landing ahead was not possible, and insufficient height existed to clear trees at the upwind end. The instructor turned right 45-50°, leveling wings at 50-70 ft agl.
The Accident
The demonstration concluded at 15-20 ft agl with full power applied. The engine responded normally, but the aircraft sank with a wing drop, causing the right wingtip to contact the ground. The aircraft yawed right and slid left, collapsing the left landing gear, then nose gear. The propeller struck the ground at high power, and the tail plane hit the ground, resulting in significant damage to the airframe, landing gear, and propeller. The left wing was also damaged from the gear collapse.
Aftermath
Both occupants sat silently for a few seconds before the instructor shut off fuel and electrics. They vacated the aircraft with no serious injuries; the passenger sustained a minor injury.
Instructor's Comment
The instructor, with extensive experience on type, believed turbulent air over nearby trees caused the sink and wing drop. He stated he should have initiated a climb away earlier as the EFATO procedure had been adequately demonstrated.