Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On April 6, 2006, about 0930 eastern standard time, a John A. Wolley Lancair 320 amateur built airplane, N200JW, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight, had a hard landing at South Lakeland Airport, Mulberry, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Palm Beach County Park Airport, West Palm Beach, Florida, the same day, about 0840.
The pilot stated that the approach was normal, and as he flared the airplane it suddenly dropped hard causing the left main landing gear to separate from the airplane. He said that the left main landing gear strut then dug into the runway and the airplane veered left, hitting a four-foot ditch. According to the pilot, prior to the accident there was no mechanical failures and malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA06CA081