Primary finding
Probable cause
The airplane's encounter with a downdraft during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and passenger had just completed a local flight from a private airfield. The pilot reported that he flared for the landing with the airplane’s airspeed between 60 and 65 mph at 3 to 4 feet above the ground, and the left wing dropped abruptly. The airplane’s left landing gear hit the ground hard and the airplane bounced; the pilot was then able to recover for a normal 3-point landing. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot stated that it felt as though the airplane was pushed to the ground, which he believed was due to a strong downdraft or gust of wind. Wind in the area about 40 minutes before the accident was reported to be from 170 degrees at 7 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot and passenger had just completed a local flight from a private airfield. The pilot reported he flared for the landing, with the airplane’s airspeed between 60-65 mph and 3-4 feet above the ground, when the left wing dropped abruptly. The airplane’s left landing gear hit the ground hard and the airplane bounced; the pilot was then able to recover for a normal 3-point landing. The pilot added that it felt as though the airplane was pushed the ground, which he believed was due to a strong downdraft or gust of wind. An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. Wind conditions in the area about 40 minutes before the accident were 170 degrees at 7 knots.