Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 2900; Flight Crew Type 1000
Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
During a training flight with a student who was preparing for solo operations; the student made his second approach to the runway in calm conditions. During the flare; the aircraft yawed to the left and he attempted to correct it using right rudder. Shortly thereafter the aircraft touched down; at which time it immediately exited the runway to the right. The aircraft crossed a grassy area; then an adjacent taxiway and another grassy area; before coming to rest. As the Instructor; I had taken control once it began exiting the runway. Once the aircraft had stopped; we exited the grassy area back to the taxiway and held short of the runway. I exited the aircraft and took a visual review of the aircraft for damage. Having seen none I asked the student if he would like to continue and while he said he was shaken; he was OK with continuing. I then took control of the aircraft and proceeded to demonstrate an approach and landing. Upon finishing the lesson and reviewing the aircraft; I noticed a slight nick in the prop. In hindsight; I should have shut the aircraft down and suspended operations immediately; to do a more thorough review of the aircraft as well as allow my student to gather his thoughts and focus.
C172 instructor pilot reported his trainee lost directional control on landing roll; resulting in a runway excursion and a nicked prop.