Pilot Account
The pilot reported being on approach to runway 27 and on a right-hand base turn to final with a high rate of descent. He stated, "I misjudged the descent profile and flared too late. The aircraft continued the descent and struck the runway."
Witness Accounts
Several witnesses observed the airplane on a right-hand base leg to final for runway 27. One witness reported seeing the airplane "rocking real bad" and the left wing dip down before losing sight behind a building, then hearing the impact. Another witness described the airplane in an "extreme close right base to runway 27" with power back and an extreme bank of about 60 degrees. The witness stated that the airplane stalled and transitioned from a right-wing-low attitude to a left-wing-low attitude on a heading of 260 degrees. The left wing came down, and the aircraft descended nose-low with the left wing down. The witness said the left wingtip struck the ground approximately at the VASI lights, crumpling and absorbing energy, causing the airplane to cartwheel. The engine hit next, leaving the propeller at the impact point, then the aircraft continued cartwheeling and flattened out, hitting the right wingtip, and the fuselage settled into the ground before sliding backward briefly.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.