Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions, and his improper recovery from a bounced landing. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty wind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that his airplane hit the runway hard while landing in gusty wind conditions. The airplane bounced, landed hard again, and collapsed the right main landing gear. The right wing struck the ground, damaging the main spar.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 30, 1997, about 1415 Alaska standard time, a wheel equipped Piper J-3 airplane, N920NB, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Soldotna Airport, Soldotna, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The local, 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector inspected the airplane and interviewed the pilot on May 12. According to the FAA inspector, the pilot was landing in gusty wind conditions. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and upon the second contact with the runway, the right main landing gear collapsed. The right wing subsequently struck the runway, and damaged the main spar. The pilot did not complete the NTSB Accident Report Form that was mailed to him. -