Incident Overview
A cargo flight to a remote airstrip ended with an abrupt landing after the aircraft dropped suddenly during the flare. The sole occupant, who also holds a mechanic certificate, was piloting the flight.
Weather Conditions
Wind conditions at the time varied from almost calm to gusts of approximately 25 knots. These variable winds may have affected the approach and landing.
Sequence of Events
During the landing flare, the airplane unexpectedly descended and contacted the runway on its main landing gear and tail. The pilot, after landing, inspected the aircraft and observed that the tail skid was bent upward. Despite this damage, the pilot decided to return to the company base.
Damage Assessment
A more thorough inspection at the base revealed that the tail structure was bent upward, with wrinkling of the upper empennage surface just aft of the cabin. The extent of the damage indicated a hard tail strike.
Pilot Background
The pilot, holding a mechanic certificate, performed the initial inspection at the remote airstrip before deciding to ferry the aircraft back. No further details about the pilot's credentials or experience are provided.
Conclusion
The incident involved a hard landing with tail contact under gusty wind conditions. No injuries are reported, and the aircraft sustained structural damage to the empennage.