Summary
A pilot experienced a hard landing while on a cross-country flight. According to the pilot, during the descent below 3000 feet MSL, turbulence was encountered. Subsequently, wind shear caused the aircraft to drop 40 feet onto the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported the hard landing and described encountering turbulence below 3000 ft MSL. During this phase, wind shear was encountered, which the pilot stated caused a 40-foot loss of altitude onto the runway.
Aircraft Manual Guidance
The aircraft manual includes guidance for high wind conditions and crosswinds, stating that 'in high wind conditions and crosswinds it may be desirable to approach the ground at higher than normal speed with partial or no flaps.' In this instance, the pilot made the approach using full flaps.
Weather Conditions
Approximately half an hour after the accident, Cleveland reported a frontal passage with winds from 170 degrees at 20 knots gusting to 30 knots.