Flight and Diversion
During a cross-country flight, the pilot of an experimental amateur-built airplane encountered thunderstorms along his route, adding an additional 45 minutes of unanticipated flight time. Concerned about night conditions, the lack of a landing light on his airplane, and his destination airport being unlighted, he decided to divert to another airport that was equipped with lighting and had a longer paved runway.
Landing Attempts
During his first attempt to land at the diversion airport, the pilot was too fast on final approach and elected to go-around. On his second attempt, he misjudged his rate of descent and landed hard, causing the airplane to bounce twice.
Accident Sequence
After the second bounce, the pilot attempted to recover and go-around by adding full power and right rudder but the airplane entered a left roll, struck the ground with its left wingtip, and then cartwheeled. The engine separated from the airframe before the airplane came to rest inverted.
Injuries and Damage
During his egress from the airplane, the pilot received minor injuries. Examination of the airplane revealed that it was substantially damaged.