Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper crosswind correction during the landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he overflew the airport and assessed the winds for landing. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a crosswind gust from the right. The right wing lifted, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane pivoted about the left wing and landed hard. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind at the airport was from 240° and light and variable, gusting to 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, he over flew the airport and assessed the wind for landing. During the landing flare the airplane encountered a crosswind gust from the right. The right wing lifted, and the left wing struck the ground. The airplane pivoted about the left wing and landed hard. The pilot reported that about the time of the accident, the wind at the airport was from 240° and light and variable, but gusting to 7 knots. The pilot landed on runway 23. He reported that when first responders arrived at the accident site, he brought to their attention that the wind was coming from about 310°. The airplane sustained substantial damage the left wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.