What happened
The pilot attempted to land the aircraft on a runway that featured a downhill gradient. The landing occurred with excess airspeed, causing the aircraft to touch down past the first third of the available runway surface. Shortly after initial contact, the aircraft bounced back into the air. In response to the bounce, the pilot applied additional power.
The aircraft then struck the runway pavement again, this time impacting with the nose gear. Concerned about the risk of running off the end of the runway and entering adjacent water, the pilot applied excessive braking force. This heavy braking caused the aircraft to veer to the left side of the runway. The left wing subsequently struck a tree located near the runway edge.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase. Examination of the wreckage confirmed that the initial touchdown occurred with excessive airspeed. The subsequent bounce and hard impact with the nose gear were consistent with the pilot's account of attempting to recover from the bounce. The final position of the aircraft against a tree indicated a loss of directional control due to the braking application on the uneven surface.
Findings
Several factors contributed to this accident. The primary issue was the landing with excess airspeed, which resulted in a touchdown point beyond the recommended safe zone. The decision to add power after bouncing likely exacerbated the situation by increasing the kinetic energy of the aircraft before the second impact. The subsequent excessive braking on a downhill grade compromised directional stability, leading to the veer off the runway and the collision with the stationary object.
Safety message
Pilots should be cautious when landing on runways with significant downhill gradients. Touchdown beyond the first third of the runway reduces the available stopping distance. Excessive airspeed during approach increases the risk of bouncing and makes it difficult to arrest the aircraft's momentum safely. Pilots must manage braking carefully to avoid loss of directional control, especially when concerned about runway length limitations.