Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly flare the aircraft during landing, resulting in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had completed a practice ils approach in VFR conditions. During the flare, his power reduction was excessive, and the aircraft landed hard. Structural damage to the wings resulted.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 21, 1994, at 0900 eastern daylight time, a Swearingen SA-26AT, N802DJ, landed hard at the Donaldson Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The aircraft had substantial damage, and the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight originated in Spartanburg, South Carolina at 0800. The pilot was flying the newly-acquired aircraft to accumulate time for insurance purposes. While landing at the Donaldson Center, the aircraft landed hard. The pilot stated that during the landing, everything seemed normal until the aircraft was crossing the runway end, just prior to touchdown. Engine power was reduced, and "Evidently this power reduction, inadvertently, exceeded the limit where N802DJ could remain flying and a harder than normal landing was effected." The accident was reported late because the pilot did not realize that the aircraft damage was substantial. Structural damage to the wings was discovered when the aircraft was being repaired. -