Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot observed the windsock before landing and was aware of a 'strong' southwesterly wind at 15 knots with 25 knot gusts. He made an approach to land on runway 19. During final approach, full flaps were selected, and an airspeed of 70 knots was maintained with an engine power setting of 15 to 16 inches of manifold pressure. The stall warning horn sounded intermittently throughout the final approach. The pilot stated that during the landing, he encountered wind shear, followed by the airplane settling to the runway on the left wing, nose gear, and propeller. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of a mechanical malfunction, nor did the pilot report any.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 30, 1997, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Beech F33A, N6733Y, was substantially damaged during a hard landing at the Mattituck Airbase, Mattituck, New York. The certificated private pilot was not injured. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight that departed Teterboro, New Jersey, about 1300, destined for Mattituck. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a statement submitted by the pilot, he stated that he was conducting a visual approach and landing to runway 19. During the final approach, he extended full flaps and maintained an airspeed of 70 to 80 knots, with 15 to 16 inches of manifold pressure. The stall warning horn was heard intermittently throughout the final approach. As the airplane reached the threshold, he began to flare, and the airplane encountered wind shear. He then felt the airplane sink and added power. However, the airplane's left wing dropped and contacted the runway, followed by the nose gear and propeller striking the runway. The airplane continued to skid down the runway on the left wing before coming to rest. The pilot observed the wind sock and stated that there was a "strong wind." It was the pilot's opinion "that the sudden rolling of the aircraft, to its left, was the result of a strong gust of wind which followed the wind shear," and that he did not experience any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Inspector did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or engine. The winds at the time of the accident were reported from 230 degrees, at 15 knots, with 25 knot gusts. Also, the pilot reported the winds were from the southwest at 15 knots, with 25 knot gusts. -