Aircraft: Allegro. Injuries: None. Location: Adrian, Mich. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: While on approach for a touch-and-go landing, when the airplane was about 30 feet above the ground, the flight instructor directed the student pilot to go around.
The student added power, and the airplane began to roll and yaw to the left. The student incorrectly applied the left rudder, and the instructor announced that he would take control of the airplane.
The student relinquished the stick, but not the control of the rudders, and the airplane hit the ground before the instructor could regain control.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper flight control input during a go-around and his interference with the flight instructor’s attempted remedial actions.
NTSB Identification: CEN13LA094
This December 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
As an old flight instructor, it is extremely important to establish the procedure of exchanging controls before the first flight. It is obvious we have some young people obtaining “flight instructor” certificates without the background, experience or desire to be fully engaged in teaching the ART of flying. They are only interested in building time in order to get a Commuter Job.
FWIW, I’ve experienced the opposite problem with a CFI who wouldn’t take his feet OFF the pedals. After nearly losing it on a flight review 10 kt crosswind landing that otherwise would have been well within aircraft and pilot capabilities because he worked the rudders without communicating his intent I climbed to altitude where we resolved who was PIC. I think he was incredibly fearful that someone (student, BFR, or IPC) might ding the aircraft – thus eclipsing his dream of flying for the airlines. To “preserve his dream” he over compensated for his fears and actually increased the potential for a mishap by “hogging” the rudders himself.
NTSB report says 30 feet AGL, not 300… Makes more sense
You are right. It has been corrected in the post.