Accident Sequence
According to the official report, the pilot of a single-engine airplane was following another aircraft for landing on runway 24. The automated weather observing system (AWOS) reported winds from 101 degrees at 11 knots. The pilot's approach became high and fast; he extended full flaps early and reduced engine power to idle. He reported encountering gusty wind conditions during the approach but believed he had the landing under control.
As the airplane neared touchdown around midfield, it suddenly descended and landed hard on the runway, bouncing back into the air. The pilot indicated the airspeed was approximately 60 mph and no stall warning horn was heard. The airplane remained aligned with the runway centerline. Feeling in control, the pilot applied a small amount of power to cushion the next touchdown. However, the airplane touched down and bounced a second time. The pilot noted that this bounce was smaller and the airplane seemed slower.
Pilot Actions
After the airplane finally settled onto the runway, the right main landing gear contacted the ground with more force, causing the airplane to veer left into a drainage swale. Concerned about striking buildings or other aircraft, and with airspeed at 55 mph, the pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around. During the climb, he retracted the flaps once the airspeed reached 80 mph.
Outcome
Shortly after flap retraction, the right wing struck a windsock pole, and the airplane began to sink. The pilot raised the nose in an attempt to clear the airport perimeter fence, but the airplane struck the fence, cartwheeled, and came to rest upright.