Incident Overview
During a landing attempt in crosswind conditions with gusts reaching 16 knots, the pilot descended steeply from above the proper glide path. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot noted that the wind gusts ceased. The subsequent touchdown was described by the pilot as "kind of hard," misaligned, and at an excessive speed.
Go-Around and Second Landing
Immediately after the hard landing, the pilot executed a go-around, remained in the traffic pattern, and performed a second landing that was uneventful. The aircraft appeared undamaged to the pilot at that time.
Discovery of Damage
A subsequent airframe inspection conducted by a mechanic revealed substantial structural damage to the aircraft. The damage was not apparent to the pilot during or immediately after the flight.