Incident Overview
The pilot reported that shortly after transitioning to cruise flight, the engine began running rough. The Cylinder Head Temperature indicated nearly in the red, and the Tachometer and Manifold Pressure Gauges showed decreasing performance. The pilot decided to return to the departure airport for a precautionary landing.
Approach and Landing
On approach, the pilot reduced the engine power setting and increased the mixture and propeller settings. The airplane crossed the runway threshold at about 80 knots with full flaps deployed. During the flare, the airplane dropped, resulting in a hard landing. The airplane then bounced three times on the runway. After landing, the pilot taxied off the runway and was towed back to the ramp.
Damage and Investigation
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions were found during their investigation.
Weather and Runway
The automated weather observation station at the airport reported that, around the time of the incident, the wind was variable at 4 knots. The airplane landed on runway 33.