Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing while conducting an off-airport precautionary landing after a bird strike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during the base leg turn, a flock of small birds entered the flightpath, and he banked to avoid them. He added that, a moment later, a larger bird struck the support cable on the right wing. No control issues were evident; however, he decided to land in a cleared field to check the structure for damage. During the landing, the nosewheel hit the ground hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift-control aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during the base leg turn, a flock of small birds entered the flight path and he banked to avoid them. He added that, a moment later a larger bird struck the support cable on the right wing. No control issues were evident, however, he decided to land in a cleared field to check the structure for damage. Subsequently, during the landing in the field, the nosewheel hit the ground hard, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the weight-shift-control aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.