Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control during an approach to land, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the multi-engine, retractable landing gear airplane reported that, while on final approach to land, he allowed the airplane’s airspeed to decay. He attempted to regain airspeed by reducing his bank angle and pitching the nose down; however, the airplane landed hard and the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.