Flight Instructor on training flight with student reported runway excursion during landing/go-around event.
Synopsis
Flight Instructor on training flight with student reported runway excursion during landing/go-around event.
Narrative
On approach to landing; which had otherwise been stable; the student (Pilot flying) rounded out over the runway; when a gust of wind blew from the south (left) side. The student had prepared for the gust and crosswind correction as he had briefed he was going to use flaps 10; increased approach speed by 5 kts (1/2 the gust factor) and had the side slip landing correction in appropriately on final. In the round-out above the runway; a gust of wind blew the aircraft off of the centerline and the student called go around and added full power while applying back pressure on the stick. At the slow airspeed the aircraft didn't climb at full power and the high angle of attack; and as the wind blew the aircraft further from the runway; I called my controls and lowered the nose to pick up airspeed when we departed the runway hitting a taxi light and taking the right wheel pant off of the aircraft. I had established positive control of the aircraft climbing away when tower reported that we had lost a piece of the aircraft. We climbed; and flew a low approach so tower could inspect the aircraft. When flying over the runway we observed that the right wheel pant was on the ground near where we had the excursion. Tower reported that an observer had said that our right main gear was flat. We flew a right pattern after having requested the longer wider runway. We prepared to land left main; then nose wheel; expecting the right main to be flat. We briefed using left brake and rudder to compensate for the added drag of a flat right wheel. We executed the landing as briefed; and were happy to discover that our right main gear was unaffected. We taxied clear of the runway and taxied back to the hangar before securing the aircraft. We were able to taxi without any problem; verifying that both our brakes were working.The student; had many hours in the aircraft; which they owned; and had experience in winds similar or greater to what we were flying. The flight was a training flight as it had been 60 days since he last flew. This fact should have raised my guard more; and I was pulled into a false sense of security as the maneuvers he had performed earlier in the flight seemed to show he was still very proficient. I will guard the controls on final more carefully; irrespective of the amount of experience the student has.
Second reporter narrative
Coming into land on Runway XXL the approach was stable and controlled despite the wind and gusts. Either upon touchdown or within 5 feet of ground strong gust push the plane to the right of the runway. Go around was initiated and there were two bounces one of which struck a runway light. The gusts made it difficult to take off again. It was very unexpected as the gust happened at a very inopportune time at touch down and pushed us aggressively to the right.Once elevation was gained we went around to have tower check gear and then landed without incident or any gusts. I'm not sure what could have prevented it; perhaps more aileron inputs into the wind to compensate for any gusts and perhaps a split second sooner go around at first inclination of gusts. As mentioned the timing of it was pretty much the worst ideal moment.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.