Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare while landing with gusting winds and his failure to perform a go-around.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing attempt at the destination airport, the airplane got "...caught by a gust of wind..." during touchdown. As the gust subsided, the plane landed hard in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude. The airplane's right wing separated and the firewall became damaged, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot further stated that, had he been aware of any turbulence or gusting winds, he would have not made the flight. A witness stated that the pilot obtained and received wind and runway information via the common traffic advisory frequency. Upon the pilot's initial request for wind information, he was advised that winds were 050 degrees at 8 knots and later advised that winds were 090 degrees at 12 knots following his second request for wind information.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was en route to the destination airport where he attempted a landing during which the airplane bounced on runway 05 (6,496 feet by 150 feet, dry asphalt). The airplane's right wing separated and the firewall became damaged resulting in substantial damage. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The pilot stated that the airplane got "...caught by a gust of wind..." during touchdown and had he been aware of any turbulence or gusting winds he would have never made the flight. A witness stated that the pilot obtained and received wind and runway information via the common traffic advisory frequency. Upon the pilot's initial request for wind information, he was advised that winds were 050 degrees at 8 knots and and later advised that winds were 090 degrees at 12 knots following his second request for wind information.