Incident Summary
The pilot was approaching for landing. Runway 21 was closed, prompting the pilot to choose its parallel taxiway as the landing surface. The taxiway was 1,500 feet long. As the aircraft descended, the pilot initiated the flare but misjudged it, causing the aircraft to contact the ground hard. This resulted in a bounced wheel landing. Immediately after, the pilot lost directional control, and the aircraft ground looped. In an effort to regain control, the pilot increased engine power; however, this action was unsuccessful. The pilot had been aware of the crosswind condition, which was from the right at an angle of up to 30 degrees and speed of 14 to 17 knots.
Sequence of Events
- Runway 21 closure led the pilot to select the parallel taxiway for landing.
- The taxiway had a length of 1,500 feet.
- During the landing flare, the pilot misjudged the technique, causing a hard touchdown.
- The wheel landing bounced.
- Directional control was lost, and the aircraft ground looped.
- The pilot applied engine power but could not maintain control.
Weather and Runway Conditions
- Runway 21 was closed at the time.
- The alternative landing surface was a taxiway 1,500 feet in length.
- Crosswind: right crosswind at up to 30 degrees, 14-17 knots.
- The pilot was aware of these wind conditions.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot misjudged the landing flare, made a hard bounced wheel landing, lost directional control, and ground looped.