Event Summary
A pilot reported that during the landing approach, the airplane encountered two wind gusts during the flare, resulting in two hard landings. After the second hard landing, the nose pitched down and the airplane veered to the left, exiting the runway. It continued across a dirt strip and a taxiway before impacting a hangar nose first. The right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that before landing, he flew over the airport and observed the windsock favoring runway 16 with a 5- to 8-knot crosswind. He performed the landing approach with the right wing down and maintained good directional control. During the flare, two wind gusts lifted the airplane, causing it to land hard twice. After the second hard landing, the airplane veered left off the runway. The pilot expressed concern that the pilot's seat may have slid back during the landing, potentially affecting control.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic examined the pilot's seat and seat rails. They found the seat installation in compliance with applicable Airworthiness Directives (AD) and determined it was properly functioning. No mechanical issues with the seat were identified. The damage assessment confirmed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.