Night Hard Landing Results in Bounce and Go-Around

Pilot Account

The pilot reported that, during a night approach while on short final, he reduced the engine power to idle. The airplane then descended rapidly and contacted the runway in a flat attitude, resulting in a hard landing. After touchdown, the airplane bounced. The pilot responded by applying full power and executing a go-around. He re-entered the traffic pattern and completed a second landing without further incident.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the airplane, conducted three days after the event, revealed that the fuselage had sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.