Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's unstable approach and overrotation, which resulted in a tailstrike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was landing on a gravel runway. He said that a hill was located in the flight path to the runway, which required a steeper-than-normal approach. The pilot said he misjudged the wind and the rate of descent on final approach. He overrotated in the flare, and the airplane’s tail struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage. He said that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was landing a twin turboprop airplane on a gravel runway. A hill lies in the normal glide path to the runway, requiring a steeper than normal approach. The pilot said he misjudged the wind, and the rate of descent on final approach. He over rotated in the flare, and struck the tail, resulting in substantial damage to the lower aft fuselage. He indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.