N124SP

On August 6, 1997, about 1415 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 310K, N124SP, landed hard at the Decatur County Industrial Airpark (BGE), Bainbridge, Georgia. The ferry flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The commercial pilot sustained no injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight departed Tallahassee Regional Airport, Tallahassee, Florida, at 1400.

The pilot reported that, on August 6, 1997, he obtained a ferry permit from the Orlando Flight Standards District Office, for a flight from Tallahassee to Bainbridge. The permit had a restriction to fly with the gear extended. The pilot stated he encountered light turbulence around the Bainbridge area. He stated that he was concerned about his landing gear and entered a downwind for runway 27 to set up for a slow approach for a soft landing. He encountered light turbulence on final, subsequently landing hard on the runway. The right tire blew and the right propeller impacted the ground. He taxied off of the runway and shut down the engines. He then observed the right propeller damage. The tire was replaced and the airplane was towed to the tie down area.

According to the mechanic who inspected the airplane, the right wing, landing gear well, and right fuselage all had substantial damage. The left wing, left nacelle, and right propeller were also damaged.

The FAA inspector stated that the pilot was attempting to make a soft touchdown on the runway. When the airplane was over the runway, the pilot reduced the power all the way, and the airplane "fell like a rock".