Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed while on final approach in turbulent conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while on final approach for landing he encountered turbulence. After traveling out from behind trees near the runway, he encountered a strong upward force on the right wing which pushed the aircraft to the left and increased altitude about 20 ft. The pilot reported that the aircraft stalled, and he did not increase power fast enough to recover from the stall before the airplane landed hard, which substantially damaged the wing frame. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that while on final approach for landing, he encountered turbulence. After traveling out from behind trees, he encountered a strong upward force on the right wing which pushed the aircraft to the left and increased altitude about 20 ft. The pilot reported that the aircraft stalled, and he did not increase power fast enough to recover from the stall before the airplane landed hard which substantially damaged the wing frame. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.