Incident Overview
A pilot and two passengers were landing at the conclusion of a personal cross-country flight. During the landing approach, the pilot encountered a downdraft, and the airplane dropped to the runway surface. It then bounced into the air while drifting to the left.
Pilot Actions
To control the drift, the pilot applied right rudder. When the airplane touched down again, the pilot cut the engine power and added flaps.
Collision with VASI Housing
The right wing of the airplane struck a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) housing. The VASI housing was located 54 feet to the left of the left edge of the runway.
Post-Incident Awareness
The pilot indicated that he was not aware that the VASI housing was damaged until notified by airport personnel the following day.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane received leading edge and aileron damage to the right wing.