Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during the approach to land that resulted in an excessive descent rate and impact with the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported on that he deliberately flew a high approach to land as he had experienced a high sink rate on previous flights. About 1/3 the way down the runway and despite being “ready for it” the pilot experienced a high sink rate as the airplane was about 30 feet off the ground. The airplane impacted the runway and bounced, upon impacting the runway a second time, the airplane remained on the ground, but the pilot reported a “total loss” of rudder control and the aircraft veered off the left side on the runway and came to rest into a ditch. The landing gear collapsed and the forward fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.