Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while practicing engine-out procedures and touch-and-go landings, a hard landing occurred during the third attempt. The incident resulted in structural damage to the aircraft, including a wrinkled fuselage and a bent horizontal stabilizer.
Sequence of Events
The pilot executed two successful touch-and-go landings before the incident. The first landing was performed with 20 degrees of flaps, and the second with 10 degrees of flaps. For the third landing, the pilot initiated an engine-out approach with no flaps extended. According to the pilot, the approach appeared normal, with a projected touchdown "on the numbers." During the approach, the airspeed was noted to be 70 knots. The pilot's operating handbook specified a normal approach speed of 75 to 85 knots in the flaps-up configuration.
During the flare, the pilot felt the tail slam down. Despite this, the pilot took off again but noticed that the climb performance was sluggish. A subsequent landing was made normally.
Post-Flight Inspection
During a post-flight check, the pilot discovered that the fuselage was wrinkled and the horizontal stabilizer was bent. No other damage or injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
No probable cause was provided in the source.