Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s unstable approach to land in turbulent conditions, which resulted in a hard landing short of the runway and subsequent loss of directional control and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the multiengine airplane reported that, while on final approach to land, the airplane encountered some turbulence and he landed hard short of the runway. The left main landing gear tire was blown when it contacted the runway asphalt. The airplane subsequently veered to the left and departed the left side of the runway onto the desert terrain. The landing gear collapsed, and the forward fuselage and windscreen center support structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.