Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and failure to maintain directional control during the landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot/owner stated that during the approach for landing he was flying “slightly high and slightly too fast.” In an attempt to salvage the landing, the pilot reduced power, which resulted in a hard bounce on the runway with the airplane returning to a height of about 15 feet. The pilot then applied power in an attempt to remain airborne but lost directional control of the airplane. As the pilot attempted to regain heading control, he again reduced power, which resulted in the left wing impacting the ground then the airplane spinning around in a field just west of the taxiway and runway. Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot/owner stated that during the approach for landing that he was flying “slightly high and slightly too fast.” In an attempt to salvage the landing the pilot reduced power which resulted in a hard bounce on the runway with the airplane returning to a height of about 15 feet. The pilot then applied power in an attempt to remain airborne but lost directional control of the airplane. As the pilot attempted to regain heading control, he again reduced power which resulted in the left wing impacting the ground, causing the airplane to spin around in a field just west of the taxiway and runway. A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.