Incident Overview
A pilot conducted a landing on a one-way airstrip with a reported tailwind of approximately ten knots. Prior to the landing, the pilot overflew the strip to assess the field conditions, aware that the strip was designated for one-way operations.
Sequence of Events
During the approach, just before initiating the flare, the airplane was estimated to be 20 to 30 feet above ground level. At that moment, the aircraft suddenly descended straight down. The pilot applied full power in an attempt to arrest the descent, but the airplane continued its rapid downward trajectory and subsequently touched down hard on all three landing gear.
Crew Observations
Both the pilot and a flight instructor on board reported that they perceived the aircraft had been struck by a strong gust of tailwind immediately prior to the abrupt descent. No other contributing factors were identified in the account provided.
Conclusion
The hard landing resulted from an unexpected tailwind gust during the final phase of the approach, which the pilot and instructor believed overcame the aircraft's ability to maintain a normal flare profile.