Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a rock during an off-airport landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was looking for off-airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that, after several practice approaches, he performed a flat approach to the road and landed hard. The airplane’s left wing struck a rock, the airplane veered to the left, and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the flight he was locating off airport landing locations and observed a dirt road that appeared to be suitable for landing. The pilot stated that he performed a flat approach to the road with power and landed hard. Subsequently, the left wing struck a rock and the airplane immediately veered to the left and the main landing gear separated, which resulted in structural damage to the left and right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.