Accident Details
The pilot and passenger had completed a local flight from a private airfield. During the landing flare, at an airspeed between 60 and 65 mph and approximately 3 to 4 feet above the ground, the left wing dropped abruptly. This caused the left landing gear to contact the ground hard, resulting in the airplane bouncing. The pilot subsequently recovered and performed a normal 3-point landing.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that it felt as though the airplane was pushed toward the ground, which he attributed to a strong downdraft or gust of wind.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane after the incident revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
Wind Conditions
Wind conditions recorded about 40 minutes prior to the accident were from 170 degrees at 7 knots.