Primary finding
Probable cause
A hard landing for an unknown reason, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Local law enforcement received a report of an airplane crash at a private airstrip, and upon arrival, discovered a substantially damaged airplane that had already been moved off the airstrip. A bystander identified the accident pilot, by name, to the officer, as the pilot was trying to stop a fuel leak from the left wing. When the officer approached, the pilot became hostile, and reported he only had a hard landing, and it was not an accident. The accident pilot subsequently left the scene. Photographs provided by the on-scene law enforcement officer depict substantial damage to the accident airplane’s fuselage, left wing, and left aileron. The pilot has not replied to multiple requests for additional information, and he did not complete and return the National Transportation Safety Board form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.