N42770

On May 16, 1998, about 1315 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182L, N42770, was substantially damaged during a hard landing at the Marlborough Airport (9B1), Marlborough, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot/owner and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at the Portland International Jetport (PWM), Portland, Maine, about 1230, and terminated at Fitchburg Municipal Airport (FIT), Fitchburg, Massachusetts, at 1330.

The pilot made an approach to Runway 14 at 9B1, which was 1,682 feet long and 50 feet wide. The pilot stated that on final approach into 9B1 he had a short runway and a crosswind to contend with. He said that with flaps full down, and airspeed between 70 and 80 mph, he was a "little high" on short final. He reported that he was also "startled" by a chain link fence butted up against the approach end of the runway. The pilot stated that the airplane "dropped faster" than he wanted. When it struck the runway, he initiated a go around and decided not to make another attempt at a landing at 9B1. He then proceeded to FIT where he made an uneventful landing.

After landing at FIT, the pilot took the airplane to a Fix Base Operator on the airport for repairs. The pilot stated that no one was notified of the accident because the extent of the damage was unknown. On June 8, 1998, the repair work was pointed out to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector who was at FIT performing routine surveillance. The Inspector determined that the firewall replacement, in addition to numerous other wrinkles found on the fuselage, was substantial damage, and initiated the notification for the accident.

A mechanic on duty at FIT, on the day of the accident, stated that the weather conditions were "moderately windy and gusty."

At 1252, winds were reported at FIT, which was 17 miles from 9B1, from 080 degrees at 9 knots.