Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilots inadequate recovery from a wind gust during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the fuselage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that after he crossed the runway threshold, he reduced power then encountered a gust of wind that caused the airplane to balloon between 50 and 100 ft. He reduced pitch, added about 100 rpm, then took that amount out, but the airplane landed hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. He stopped the airplane, secured the engine and the airplane was towed to the ramp. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.