Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after takeoff, passengers were uncomfortable in the "bumpy" conditions, prompting a return to the departure airport for landing. According to the pilot, the owner of the airplane advised over the radio that, due to the passenger load and crosswind conditions, the landing should be performed with flaps set at 10 degrees.
Landing Sequence
The pilot stated that the airplane "ballooned" on the first touchdown, and the second touchdown was "harder than normal." A witness observed a direct crosswind and noted that the airplane touched down with the nose pointed approximately 30 degrees to the right of the runway centerline. The aircraft then "porpoised," contacting the runway on the nosewheel first multiple times in succession.
Post-Landing Inspection
Following taxi and parking, inspection revealed cracking and buckling of the wings, fuselage, and engine firewall. The pilot reported, and an inspection by FAA inspectors confirmed, no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation.