Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, he was on final approach and remained higher than normal and intended to land long to provide more separation from the wake turbulence from another airplane that had just landed. During the landing, the pilot “flared the airplane a little high, and the airplane fell from a few feet above the runway.” The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.