Incident Overview
An airplane sustained substantial damage during a landing when the main landing gear collapsed after a hard touchdown. According to the pilot, the aircraft then slid on the bottom of the fuselage before flipping over.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that the approach was aligned with the intended touchdown point, with wings level, carburetor heat on, power at idle, and the airplane trimmed for a three-point landing. Just before the flare, the pilot felt a loss of lift and an increase in sink rate. Adding power and other control inputs had no effect. The main gear contacted the ground, broke, and spread apart. The bottom of the fuselage then contacted the ground, and the airplane slid for 20 to 30 feet before flipping over.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to or during the landing.