Approach and Landing
The accident occurred during a landing on runway 24. The copilot was flying the airplane and configured it for landing about four miles out. Gusty winds were forecast from the surface to higher altitudes. The flightcrew received progressive wind information during the approach, with the last report indicating wind from 310° at 25 knots. The approach speed was Vref plus 10 knots. According to the flightcrew, during the landing flare, a wind gust occurred, causing the airplane to lift in a nose-down attitude. The gust then stopped, and the airplane descended to the runway, resulting in a hard landing.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage had cracked near the area where the wings were attached. Additionally, the aft fuselage was bent downward approximately 7°.
Injuries
Two passengers were seriously injured.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is that the aircraft encountered a sudden wind gust during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.