Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot reported that, while en route in the airplane, a “puff of smoke” originated from the instrument panel, so he decided to conduct a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. While on final approach to land, the airplane stalled and then impacted the ground hard just short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.