Accident Overview
During a visual approach, the pilot flew at 55 knots, as prescribed by the airplane owner's manual. While flaring, the airplane lost lift and struck the runway. During the subsequent rollout, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane ground looped 180 degrees, coming to rest on the right side of runway 35.
Aircraft Examination
A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right main landing gear attachment point and the engine firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The recorded wind at the airport around the time of the accident was from 320 degrees at 7 knots.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that he followed the prescribed airspeed from the airplane owner's manual and encountered a loss of lift during the flare, leading to the hard landing and subsequent gear collapse and ground loop.