Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing at an off-airport gravel airstrip, the approach was normal, but as the airplane passed over the approach end of the airstrip, the airplane “suddenly dropped flat to the runway.” The airplane bounced and veered left, then impacted a ditch and came to rest inverted. The wings and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.