Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and wing strike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that he experienced an "unexpected high degree" of banking and controllability issues with the experimental, light-sport, weight-shift-control aircraft during the initial climb, so he decided to land. During the landing roll, the aircraft bounced. The aircraft then touched down on the nose landing gear, rolled onto the left wing, and then slid to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the airframe. The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot in the experimental light-sport, weight shift-control aircraft reported that he experienced "unexpected high degree" aircraft banking and controllability issues during the initial climb, so he decided to land. During the landing roll, the aircraft bounced. The aircraft touched down on the nose landing gear and it rolled on to the left wing, before sliding to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and the airframe. The METAR from the airport nearest the accident site was 4 nautical miles to the west, and reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 340° at 4 knots. The student pilot used runway 36. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.