NTSB Factual Report

The flight instructor reported that he asked the commercial pilot rated student to simulate a power-off emergency landing with a 180º turn to the runway and directed her to "lower the gear when landing was assured." After initiating the power off approach, the student turned the airplane from the downwind leg onto the base leg of the traffic pattern and extended the landing gear. The sink rate increased, and she attempted to correct with full engine power, but the decent continued. The airplane landed short of the runway and struck a ground lighting system. She then initiated a go-around and landed without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 080° at 8 knots. The airplane landed on runway 09.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot receiving instruction's failure to maintain a proper approach path and her delayed go-around during a simulated emergency landing, which resulted in landing short of the runway. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to properly monitor the student's approach.