Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on grass adjacent to a runway, he reduced the power to glide for landing. He added that the airplane then "dropped" and landed hard and that the right landing gear collapsed. He also stated that he should have "kept more power" and chosen not to glide. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing on grass adjacent to a runway, he reduced power to glide for landing. The airplane "dropped" and landed hard. The right landing gear collapsed. The pilot added that he should have "kept more power" and chosen not to glide. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.