Hard Landing and Bounces Result in Fuselage Damage

Accident Details

The pilot reported making a straight-in approach at approximately 80 knots with full flaps on final. During the landing flare, the pilot felt a slight sink in lift, which led to a hard landing. The airplane then bounced four times, with each bounce increasing in height and magnitude. After the landing, the pilot taxied the airplane to the nearest intersection but was unable to continue because the airplane was taxiing rough, leading the pilot to believe the nose landing gear tire was damaged.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right-side fuselage stringers.

Pilot Statements

The pilot asserted that he underestimated the airplane's weight and that proper trim application could have helped prevent the accident. He also emphasized that he should have aborted the landing after the first hard bounce. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.