Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in an initial hard landing, separation of the left main landing gear, and a runway excursion during a subsequent landing attempt.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was attempting to land the airplane and reported that after a hard landing the left main landing gear fractured and then separated from the airplane. The pilot then aborted the landing. He then attempted to land the airplane again by keeping the left wing in the air as long as possible. As the airplane slowed, and the control authority of the ailerons decreased, the airplane veered left into the grass of the left side of the runway. During the runway excursion, the fuselage and empennage were substantially damaged.