CEN12CA624

Factual narrative

The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were practicing takeoff and landings. After performing a stop-and-go on the 4,300 foot long runway, the CFI pulled the engine back to idle to demonstrate a simulated engine-out landing to the student pilot. The CFI reported that the airplane made a rapid descent from about 200 feet above ground level, he flared too high and the airplane landed hard on the runway. The CFI stated that the wind was 10 degrees from the runway heading, and gusting to 33 knots at the time. Substantial damage was sustained to the airplane's firewall. The CFI did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. The flight instructor and student pilot were practicing takeoffs and landings. During the climb after a stop-and-go landing on the 4,300 foot long runway, the flight instructor reduced the engine power to idle to demonstrate a simulated engine-out landing to the student pilot. The flight instructor reported that the airplane made a rapid descent from about 200 feet above ground level, and then he flared too high; the airplane landed hard on the runway, substantially damaging the airplane’s firewall. The flight instructor stated that the wind at the time was from about 10 degrees left of the runway heading at 28 knots, gusting to 33 knots. The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Incorrect use/operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Decision related to condition