Incident Overview
While on approach for landing, an airplane was caught in a downdraft. The pilot responded by applying full power in an attempt to arrest the increasing sink rate, but the maneuver was insufficient. The aircraft subsequently landed hard and short of the intended landing surface, causing damage to surrounding vegetation and a runway edge light.
Immediate Post-Landing Actions
After the hard landing, the pilot managed to get the airplane airborne again. Rather than remaining at the airport where the hard landing occurred, the pilot decided to return to his home base airport. This decision set the stage for a further mechanical issue.
In-Flight Component Separation
During the flight back to the home airport, the left wheel and strut separated from the airplane. The loss of this critical landing gear component added to the aircraft's already compromised state. Despite the separation, the pilot continued the flight and presumably landed at the destination.
Aircraft and Damage Details
The source provides no specific information regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or the date and location of the occurrence. The only damage items explicitly noted are the vegetation, a runway edge light, and the left wheel and strut that fell off. No information about occupant injuries or fatalities is stated; thus, none are reported herein.
Operational Context
No time of day, weather characterization (beyond the downdraft), or air traffic control involvement is mentioned in the source. The pilot's actions are described factually without any analysis or implied causality beyond what is stated.