Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain a proper landing aim point. Contributing to the accident were the setting sun and the uneven terrain approaching the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot was landing on runway 27 at a private grass airstrip. The sun was setting approximately 10 degrees left of the runway alignment. The pilot landed short of the runway and the airplane struck terrain approximately 12 inches below the runway surface. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. After the pilot egressed the airplane it caught fire and was destroyed. The pilot was not injured.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot was landing on runway 27 at a private grass airstrip. The sun was setting approximately 10 degrees left of the runway alignment. The pilot landed short of the runway and the airplane struck terrain approximately 12 inches below the runway surface. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. After the pilot egressed the airplane it caught fire and was destroyed. The pilot was not injured.