Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in a ground swerve and a collision with trees. The adverse wind was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A low time private pilot departed on a pleasure flight to build flight time. During the flight the pilot encountered moderate turbulence and elected to return to the departure airport. On final approach to runway 24, the airplane encountered turbulence and gusting crosswinds, dropped an estimated 8 feet to the runway, bounced, then landed hard on the runway. The airplane veered left off the runway and impacted small scrub trees. A weather observation reported by a local military base reported the winds from 320 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 19 knots, and variable from 250 degrees to 350 degrees.
Source record
Factual narrative
-