Incident Overview
A private pilot, flying as the second airplane in a flight of two, was instructed by an air traffic controller to land on the orange dot on runway 27. During the descent from base leg to final leg, the pilot observed a third airplane appearing to land straight-in to the same runway. The controller then directed the flight of two to land further down the runway on the green dot to accommodate the third airplane.
Maneuvering and Avoidance
As the pilot adjusted engine power and descent rate for the new landing point, he noticed an increased closure rate with the lead airplane, which decelerated quickly upon landing. To avoid a collision, the pilot increased pitch to overfly the lead airplane. After confirming clearance past the lead aircraft, he adjusted pitch and power to land.
Hard Landing and Damage
The subsequent landing was hard. During the hard landing, the airplane settled with the left wing down and veered left off the runway, causing the left main landing gear to collapse. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.
Aircraft Condition
No mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operations.