Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was on a stabilized approach. Upon landing, the right main gear touched down prior to the left main, and then a gust of wind lifted the airplane back into the air. The airplane slammed back into the ground, and the pilot lost control. As he was trying to regain control, another gust picked the airplane up, and pushed it off the centerline of the runway. He applied power and attempted to abort the landing. He indicated that the wind did not let up, and the airplane was about to flip over. He managed to keep it upright, but crashed after crossing the parallel taxiway. The empennage separated from the airframe. He stated that the reported wind was from 320 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 27 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that he was on a stabilized approach to runway 29. The right main gear touched down prior to the left main, and then a gust of wind lifted the airplane back into the air. The airplane slammed back into the ground, and the pilot lost control. As he was trying to regain control, another gust picked the airplane up, and pushed it off the centerline of the runway. He applied power and attempted to abort the landing. He indicated that wind did not let up, and the airplane was about to flip over. He managed to keep it upright, but crashed after crossing the parallel taxiway. He stated that the winds were from 320 degrees at 16 knots gusting to 27 knots.