Event Description
The pilot of a Cessna 310R was conducting an approach when the airplane experienced an abrupt drop from an altitude of 20 to 25 feet above the runway. This resulted in a high bounce, followed by another hard touchdown and a subsequent bounce. On the third touchdown, the airplane remained on the runway but groundlooped, coming to rest off the runway surface.
Wind Conditions
Prior to the approach, the pilot received reported winds of 050 to 070 degrees at 21 knots, gusting to 28 knots. The pilot reported evaluating the crosswind and determining that it was much less than expected. Under the given conditions, the crosswind component would have been between 16 and 26 knots.
Aircraft Performance
The maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the Cessna 310R is 19 knots. The wind conditions during the approach produced a crosswind that exceeded this value.