Incident Overview
During an approach to AAO, a pilot experienced a stall and subsequent hard landing after encountering a gust of wind. The aircraft's nose gear and left main landing gear separated from the airframe, and substantial damage occurred to the wings and fuselage.
Pilot Account
In a written statement, the pilot indicated that the airspeed indicator read 60-65 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) during the approach. He described the sequence of events: "I was trying to baby it down when a little gust appeared. I responded to the gust and evidently it [the airplane] stalled and nosed down. I estimate that the drop was about 15 feet, hitting nose gear first, it snapped off and I suppose the left main gear followed." The pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the incident.
Damage Assessment
An FAA inspector who examined the scene observed the aircraft resting on the left side of the runway. The nose wheel and left main landing gear were found on the right side of the runway. The left flap was torn off, and wrinkles were present in both wings as well as on the left rear fuselage.