Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was returning to his home airfield after a local flight. The pilot stated that the final approach to the runway was a little longer than normal and thus the airplane was at a lower altitude. As the airplane approached the runway threshold he reduced the engine power. The airplane touched down in a plowed field about 100 feet from the end of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot opined that the loss of control was a result of the airplane encountering turbulence on the approach. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions associated with the airplane during the flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was returning to his home airfield after a local flight. The pilot stated, “My pattern was a little extended so my final approach was longer and brought me in a little low. I increased power then reduced same as I reached the runway threshold. My altitude at the time of my power reduction was below the treeline.” The airplane sustained substantial damage to its left wing when it impacted terrain and came to rest in a plowed field about 100 feet from the end of the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane flew through pockets of turbulence during the approach and that caused the loss of airplane control. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions associated with the airplane during the flight.