Runway Excursion After Hard Landing Results in Substantial Damage

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that during the landing, the airplane bounced several times while attempting to compensate for a right quartering crosswind. The pilot stated that he believed the landing gear had failed as a result of the hard landing. In fear of an explosion, he intentionally guided the airplane off the runway into the grass.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have precluded normal operation. The decision to steer off the runway was based on the perceived risk of explosion following the suspected landing gear failure.

Damage

As a result of the runway excursion, the airplane impacted a ditch. The left wing separated from the fuselage, and the airplane sustained substantial damage.