Flight History
The flight departed Winslow, Arizona, and was en route to Erie, Colorado, when the accident occurred. The pilot reported deciding to divert to Monte Vista, Colorado, to take a break and visit his parents who lived nearby.
Accident Sequence
The pilot stated that the winds were light and variable with some light turbulence. As he approached Runway 34, a 2,100-foot-long by 50-foot-wide dirt strip, he encountered a high sink rate. The airplane touched down short of the runway edge. The main landing gear struck the runway lip, resulting in substantial damage to the landing gear bulkhead and fuselage skin.
Subsequent Actions
Despite the damage, the pilot was able to taxi the aircraft to the ramp. Another runway, designated 01-19, a 6,000-foot-long by 50-foot-wide asphalt strip, was available for landings at the time.
Pilot Information
The pilot's last biennial flight review was accomplished in August 1984.