Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing in gusting wind conditions, "there was a shift in wind speed and direction," and the airplane bounced and landed hard. The main landing gear collapsed, the propeller struck the runway, and the airplane then exited the runway to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 230° at 11 knots. The airplane landed on runway 26.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, during landing in gusting wind conditions, "there was a shift in wind speed and direction" and the airplane bounced and landed hard. The main landing gear collapsed, the propeller struck the runway, and exited the runway to the right. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that about 5 minutes after the accident the wind was from 230° at 11 knots. The airplane landed on runway 26.