Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during landing in turbulent conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during landing with about a 7 knot headwind, just as the airplane touched down, a "wind event" (turbulence) lifted the airplane airborne. The pilot added power, but the airplane subsequently touched down hard in a 3-point attitude. The lower fuselage was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.