CEN23LA148

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, runway excursion, and subsequent collision with a runway sign. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane, the unstabilized approach, and inadequate crew resource management.

The pilot reported that he had recently completed his initial training, and the accident flight was his first flight in the airplane. The pilot entered the traffic pattern with the autopilot engaged and was told by the co-pilot to “keep it tight.” The autopilot did not command a steep enough bank, and the pilot disconnected the autopilot in an attempt to align with the runway centerline. On final approach about 50 ft above ground level (agl), the airplane was aligned to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane landed hard, bounced multiple times, exited the runway, and impacted a runway sign. The pilot then executed a go-around and landed without further incident at an alternate airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that prior to and during the flight, challenge-response checklist reading was not utilized between he and the co-pilot, and callouts were not used below 1,000 ft agl.