The pilot reported that while on approach for landing on runway 26, the wind was reported from 240º at 8 knots, then a moment later, the wind shifted to 180º at 6 knots. The pilot flew the final approach with a crosswind from the left and crossed the threshold at 50 knots. As he leveled the airplane, and about to touchdown at 45 knots, the airplane was lifted about 7 ft and the nose pitched up 20º. The pilot shoved the control stick forward and began to add power, when the airplane violently slammed onto the runway, collapsing the left main landing gear.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and engine mount.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about five minutes before the accident, the wind was from 200° at 9 knots, gusting up to 14 knots.