Accident Narrative
A pilot reported that while on short final approach, approximately 100 feet short of the runway and 35 to 50 feet above the ground, the right wing rose unexpectedly. Subsequently, the left wing struck the tarmac. Examination of the accident site revealed ground scars with aircraft paint transfers located about 27 feet left of the runway centerline.
Witness Statements
Two witnesses at the scene characterized the winds as "gusty" at the time of the accident. Their accounts corroborated the challenging wind conditions described by the pilot.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he believed he encountered an unexpected gust of wind during the final phase of the approach. He estimated the winds at the time of the accident as from 190 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots or greater.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident inspection of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the left wing and collapse of the left main landing gear and nose gear. No mechanical anomalies were found with the aircraft that would have contributed to the accident.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred at dusk, and the runway lights were operational. Both the pilot and an FAA inspector noted that grass was overgrowing the edges of the runway, extending approximately 8 to 12 feet onto the runway surface on each side.