What happened
The airplane approached the runway threshold with excessive height, causing it to clear the tree line at the approach end before finally touching down. The initial landing was hard, resulting in a significant bounce. As the aircraft continued its descent along the runway surface, it exhibited a porpoising motion, oscillating vertically between the ground and the air. During the fourth bounce, the rotating propeller made contact with the pavement, sustaining damage.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot provided a statement regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to the event. The pilot reported that there were no known deficiencies affecting the performance or handling characteristics of the airplane. This indicates that the aircraft was mechanically sound and capable of normal operation at the time of the accident.
Findings
Meteorological data for the location at the time of the accident indicated light wind conditions. The winds were variable in direction with speeds ranging from 3 to 5 knots. These calm conditions suggest that wind shear or gusty crosswinds were not contributing factors to the mishandling of the approach and landing.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper energy management during the final phase of flight. Overflying obstacles at the runway threshold often indicates a high-energy approach that can lead to difficult landing outcomes, including hard landings and bounces. Pilots are reminded to monitor their descent profiles carefully to ensure a controlled touchdown within the designated landing zone.