Airplane Impacts Runway Hard After Low-Altitude Drop

Incident Overview

According to a written statement from the pilot, the airplane was approximately 10 feet above the runway when it "dropped hard" onto the surface. An eyewitness reported that the wings shook from side to side, the airplane fell about 10 feet, and the sound of the runway impact was audible.

Impact Details

Runway marks indicated that the airplane impacted nose first, then bounced and struck the runway again. Propeller strike marks associated with the first impact suggested a ground speed of about 38 knots. The impact caused substantial damage to the engine firewall.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or anomalies prior to the accident.