Incident Overview
A checkout pilot reported that during a landing to runway 05, with winds from 30 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 21 knots, the airspeed rapidly decreased from 60 knots to 40 knots during the flare. The private pilot in command was flying at the time. The checkout pilot immediately added full throttle, but the aircraft landed hard on the main wheels.
Bounce and Go-Around
Following the hard landing, the aircraft bounced. The checkout pilot took control and initiated a go-around. During the subsequent climb, the checkout pilot determined that there were no unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions, and no adverse aircraft handling characteristics. The decision was made to return to Bremerton, where a landing was accomplished without further incident.
Post-Flight Inspection
After the flight, maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft and found structural damage to the firewall.
Key Details
- Landing runway: 05
- Wind: 30 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 21 knots
- Airspeed loss: from 60 knots to 40 knots during flare
- Hard landing on main wheels
- Bounce followed by go-around
- No mechanical or electrical issues found
- Return landing at Bremerton without incident
- Firewall damage discovered