Accident Details
The pilot of an experimental amateur-built airplane was conducting the aircraft's first flight. The accident occurred during landing at the airport. According to the pilot, he was lined up with the runway centerline with an airspeed of 60 mph and engine tachometer reading 1,600 rpm when he felt the right tire contact the runway. He reported that "in an instant the left wing came down and the left tire and axle [were] sheared off. The left wing contacted the runway and the plane skidded about 40 feet and came to a full stop."
Pilot Actions and Environment
The pilot stated that he used a higher landing airspeed because other builders of that airplane told him he needed to land with speed "so as not get near the stall speed as this aircraft does have leading edge slats and this equates to a high lift wing." He reported that the wind was calm at the accident airport, the altimeter setting was 30.12 inches, and the temperature was 55°F. A nearby airport 8 miles north recorded wind from 200° at 12 knots.
Aircraft Damage
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing tip was bent up, the nose landing gear "U" channel was bent 90°, and the skin around the left wing strut and landing gear attachment points was buckled. No preimpact anomalies with the airplane were reported.