Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare during a landing attempt in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing and impact with the ground.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, she had returned to her departure airport after completing about 20 practice landings at a nearby airport. During her first attempt to land she noted that the crosswind was too strong and decided to initiate a go-around. The wind direction had changed, so she selected a runway that favored the new wind direction. However, during the landing attempt she encountered “wind shear” just before the airplane touched down. The airplane landed on the main landing gear, bounced and impacted the ground hard, which resulted in 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.