Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, inadequate recovery from a bounced landing and failure to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he started his flare on landing and realized he was too high. He stated that he increased the throttle slightly, but the airplane still touched down hard and bounced. At this point he added full power to initiate a go around but the airplane did not climb. The airplane veered off the runway into the grass where the landing gear collapsed. There was substantial damage to the right wing, and damage to the landing gear and flaps. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 7,100 feet. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he started his flare on landing and realized he was too high. The pilot stated that he increased the throttle slightly, but the airplane still touched down hard and bounced. At this point the pilot added full power to initiate a go around but the airplane did not climb. The airplane veered off the runway into the grass where the landing gear collapsed. There was substantial damage to the right wing, and damage to the landing gear and flaps. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 7,100 feet (ft). The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal flight.