Accident Details
The pilot, who was not instrument rated, diverted to an alternate airport to avoid flight into instrument meteorological conditions along the intended route to the destination. During the landing at the alternate airport, the airplane bounced and departed off the side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including to the engine firewall and the right wing.
Pilot Statements
The pilot reported that he had reduced engine power and airspeed to increase separation with a preceding aircraft also landing, which resulted in a reduction of airspeed that was "too much" and led to the bounced landing. The pilot also stated that he was using active noise reduction headsets for the first time; these headsets "greatly" reduced engine noise and "muted" audio input, preventing him from receiving the "normal" audio indications his senses were accustomed to on prior flights.
Aftermath
The accident was not reported by the pilot and was discovered by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector during routine surveillance at the airport.