Accident Details
A pilot reported that the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind from the right while on final approach to an island airport. The pilot applied aileron and rudder inputs to correct for the gust, but the airplane touched down awkwardly on the runway.
Sequence of Events
After the initial touchdown, the pilot applied back pressure on the yoke, causing the airplane to become airborne again before landing hard onto the runway. Following the hard landing, the airplane veered to the right and then to the left, subsequently departing the left side of the runway. The right wing separated from the airplane when it contacted a tree, after which the airplane came to rest.
Wind Conditions
The recorded wind condition at an airport located 18 miles from the accident site indicated a variable wind direction at 5 knots.