Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he flew a normal approach, but during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and bounced hard. When it did, he heard a "clunk." The airplane then bounced again before he made a final landing. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-existing mechanical anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, he flew a "normal" approach to runway 29, but during the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and bounced "hard." When it did, the pilot heard a "clunk." The airplane then bounced again before the pilot made a final landing. Post-flight examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no pre-existing mechanical anomalies. Winds, recorded at the airport about the time of the accident, were from 270 degrees true at 17, gusting to 20 knots.