Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane bounced during landing and the nose of the airplane began to drift to the left. The airplane exited the runway, hit a soft spot in the grass and impacted terrain. The right main landing gear separated and the impact resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage, the right wing, and the firewall. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident would have been avoided if he had executed a go-around.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane bounced during landing and the nose of the airplane began to drift to the left. The airplane exited the runway, hit a soft spot in the grass and impacted terrain. The right main landing gear separated and the impact resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage, the right wing, and the firewall. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He also reported that the accident would have been avoided if he had gone around.