Incident Overview
During a landing attempt, the airplane touched down approximately 400 feet before the threshold of runway 22. The pilot attributed the event to a loss of airspeed combined with a sudden decrease in lift. The aircraft subsequently impacted terrain short of the intended landing zone.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated, "I got too slow on approach and fell into a slower wind pocket which [decreased] my lift." Although an attempt was made to increase engine power, it was not sufficient to prevent the aircraft from striking the ground. The pilot estimated the wind conditions at the time as coming from 260 degrees at 20 to 40 knots with gusting.
Occupant Status
Neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained injuries as a result of the incident.
Aircraft Damage
Post-accident examination revealed that the main landing gear struts had penetrated the upper surfaces of both wings. No mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were identified in the aircraft's systems or structure. The damage was confined to the wing punctures and associated components.