Accident Details
According to the pilot, during the landing flare, a gust of wind caused the airplane to balloon to an estimated height of 10 to 15 feet above the runway. The subsequent touchdown was hard, leading to the collapse of the left main landing gear. The airplane then veered off the left side of the runway.
Weather Conditions
An automated weather observing system reported that around the time of the accident, the wind was from 310 degrees true at 14 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The landing was conducted on runway 29.
Damage
The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Mechanical Status
The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.