Incident Overview
During an approach in foggy conditions, an aircraft experienced a hard landing that resulted in damage to the landing gear. The pilot was unharmed. Rescue personnel initially struggled to locate the aircraft due to low visibility.
Witness Reports
Several individuals inside an airport building reported hearing the aircraft on approach followed by a loud noise. Fog prevented them from seeing the runway or the aircraft. They subsequently boarded fire and rescue vehicles but had difficulty finding the airplane.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he had been able to see the runway from 15 miles out during the approach.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained a broken right main landing gear and other unspecified damage. The operator's maintenance director characterized the event as a hard landing.
Response
The fire and rescue teams responded to the scene, but the fog hampered their ability to locate the aircraft promptly.