N15202

On February 27, 2000, about 1145 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-34-200, N15202, operated by the pilot, made a hard landing and was substantially damaged at the Big Bear City Airport, Big Bear City, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was performed under 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one of the passengers were not injured; the second passenger sustained a minor injury. The flight originated from Carlsbad, California, about 1045.

The pilot indicated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that, while approaching the airport, he had received a report from the Unicom operator regarding the local wind direction and speed. Thereafter, he elected to land on runway 26. About 30 feet above the runway he encountered a wind gust and lost control of the airplane. It impacted the runway, yawed sideways, and came to a stop with a collapsed landing gear and bent fuselage. The pilot also reported that during the final approach he used a "normal" flap setting of 20 degrees, and on short final approach he reduced the airplane's approach speed from 100 to 90 knots.

Airport management reported to the Safety Board investigator that when the pilot was on final approach he was advised the automated weather observing system (AWOS) indicated the wind direction was variable, between 170 and 230 degrees. Its speed was 13 knots with gusts to 28 knots. In the pilot's completed accident report, he indicated that the wind was from 210 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 20 knots.

According to the Piper PA-34-200 (Seneca) "Pilot's Operating Manual," the second notch of flaps provides for 25 degrees of flap extension. The manual includes handling suggestions for approach and landing. In pertinent part, it states, "if the aircraft is lightly loaded, the final approach speed may be reduced to 90 MPH." However, "flap position for landing will depend on runway length and surface wind." For crosswind or high-wind landing, "approach with higher than normal speed and with 25 degrees of flaps or no flaps."