Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing into the wind at a remote airstrip, as the airplane descended below the tree line, the airplane experienced “wind shear or turbulence” and the headwind diminished. The airplane lost aerodynamic lift, descended rapidly to the ground, and subsequently landed hard. The engine firewall sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that the winds in the area were 25 knots gusting to 30 knots.