Accident Overview
During landing, the airplane experienced a hard landing that substantially damaged the structure. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the left side of the runway. While departing the runway surface, the airplane struck two runway lights.
Witness Observations
A witness reported that the accident aircraft executed a "close-in" left base turn at a "high power setting." The witness initially thought the pilot was performing a "low level, high speed pass" and noted that the aircraft's descent did not appear to follow a normal landing profile. According to the witness, the airplane crossed the runway threshold at approximately 35 feet above ground level (agl), at which point engine power was reduced to idle. The aircraft then leveled off at about 30 feet agl and subsequently descended to an altitude between 5 and 10 feet agl. As it neared the intersecting runway, the airplane "dropped" and made contact with the ground on all three landing gear simultaneously. The witness observed a "large cloud" of smoke rising from all three wheels. After a ground roll of roughly 100 feet, the airplane began to slowly settle onto its left wing, and the witness could hear the propeller striking the ground.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions recorded by the MVN Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at 1755 indicated clear skies and wind from 020 degrees at 5 knots. At 1855, the AWOS reported clear skies and calm winds.
Pilot Information
According to the accident report filed by the pilot, the most recent flight review was completed in July 1986. The pilot's most recent medical certificate was issued on May 11, 1999. The pilot did not provide a narrative in the accident report.