Accident Details
The airplane experienced substantial structural damage to the fuselage following a bounced landing on runway 21. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident.
Weather Conditions
According to the official automated surface observation system (ASOS), the winds at the time of the accident were from 170 degrees at 19 knots, gusting to 26 knots. This resulted in a crosswind component that varied between 12 and 19 knots. The pilot obtained the ASOS recording before landing and noted winds from 170 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 21 knots, variable to 190 degrees at 12 knots with higher gusts to 23 knots.
Pilot Report
The pilot selected runway 21 and reported that during the approach, a change in airspeed of 15 knots was observable. After touchdown, he reduced power and a gust of wind lifted the aircraft off the runway. He then began porpoising, and the tail struck the runway.
Witness Account
The accident sequence was witnessed by the owner of a fixed-base operator (FBO) on the airport. He reported observing the pilot attempting to land on runway 21 with a strong quartering headwind containing significant gust component. The airplane bounced off the main gear and began a series of porpoise-like, pilot-induced oscillations, bouncing from the nose wheel to the main gear and back with increasing amplitude. On the fourth porpoise, the tail struck the runway.
Aircraft Capabilities
According to the limitations section of the Cessna T206H Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind capability is 15 knots. Engineering personnel from Cessna clarified that this value is not a limitation but represents the maximum crosswind component encountered during certification flight testing.
Pilot Information
The pilot's private certificate was issued on February 27, 2002.