Accident Overview
On March 10, 2013, at approximately 1955 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P airplane, registration N71DH, experienced a hard landing at Rogers Municipal Airport (KROG) in Rogers, Arkansas. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings. The airline transport pilot and three passengers were not injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight Details
The flight departed Chattanooga, Tennessee, at 1800 eastern daylight time, destined for KROG. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan.
Pilot Report
According to a statement provided by the pilot, approximately one quarter inch of ice had accumulated on the wings during the approach. The automated weather report at KROG indicated wind from 280 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 22 to 30 knots. The pilot stated that the airplane was flying and handling well, but the air was turbulent during the descent. He broke out of the clouds at about 800 feet above ground level (AGL) and used the rudder to point the nose 20 to 30 degrees right of the runway heading. He then encountered severe turbulence and a downdraft about 75 to 100 feet AGL, applied full power to stop the descent, and attempted to flare as the descent continued. The airplane landed hard on the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The aviation routine weather report at KROG at 1957 reported wind from 290 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 21 knots; visibility 7 miles; overcast ceiling at 600 feet AGL; temperature 0 degrees Celsius; dew point minus 1 degree Celsius; and barometric pressure 29.89 inches of mercury.
Aircraft Damage and Conditions
Post-accident photographs of the airplane revealed ice on the wings and leading edges.