Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot in command's failure to maintain a proper descent rate.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he had 'a nice straight in approach with plenty of airspeed.' as the aircraft passed over the numbers a high sink rate developed and the aircraft landed hard. Winds were calm at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 7, 1993, at 1542 hours Pacific standard time (PST), a Springer Christina Minicoupe, N71GS, registered to and being flown by James S. Bleasner, a certificated private pilot, was substantially damaged during a hard landing on runway 3 left, at Felts Field, Spokane, Washington. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions with calm winds existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91 and originated from Felts Field at approximately 1540 hours. The pilot reported that the "final approach seemed normal enough and I had a nice straight in approach with plenty of airspeed" and that "just as I was coming in over the numbers about 10 feet AGL (above ground level), the aircraft suddenly dropped to the runway surface, damaging the aircraft." The aircraft subsequently veered left off the runway striking a VASI box and runway light before it came to rest. -