Incident Overview
During a cross-country flight, the pilot entered the landing pattern and noted that the winds changed direction from favoring runway 23 to favoring runway 05. On short final approach, the pilot reported that the winds shifted to a crosswind of approximately 16 knots, resulting in a hard landing.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the Pinehurst/Southern Pines weather station reported winds from 030 degrees at 6 knots with no gusts. The pilot's account of a 16-knot crosswind on short final differs from the recorded conditions, but no further details were provided in the source.
Aircraft Examination
The pilot did not report any flight control or mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed buckling of the lower engine firewall, a flat nose wheel tire, and a bent propeller. Further inspection did not identify any flight control or mechanical malfunctions.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided no additional information regarding the landing technique or environmental factors beyond the wind shift. The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, or injury information.