On 15 May 2014, a KALMAN GEORGE LANCAIR 360 was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Canyon, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot reported that during final approach, after reducing engine power to idle and flaring higher than normal, the airplane unexpectedly dropped and impacted the runway hard, leading to a loss of directional control and a runway excursion. Substantial damage occurred to the lower fuselage and rudder.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported an accident during a landing approach, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The event occurred after the pilot entered a right traffic pattern and established 80 knots on final approach.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, during the final approach he reduced engine power to idle and began to flare the airplane. He stated that he believed he flared higher than normal and held a steady pitch attitude. As airspeed decreased, the airplane unexpectedly dropped and impacted the runway hard. The pilot then lost directional control, and the airplane skidded off the runway into a grassy area.
Aircraft Damage
The impact caused substantial damage to the lower fuselage and the rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.