N705BH

On July 30, 2007, about 1200 mountain daylight time, a Found Aircraft Canada, Inc. FBA-2C1, N705BH, landed hard on a private dirt airstrip near Challis, Idaho. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Mc Call Municipal Airport, Mc Call, Idaho, about 1100, with a planned destination of Challis. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed.

In a written report, the pilot stated that prior to landing he maneuvered the airplane around the proximity of the airport, in an attempt to assess the wind conditions. He noted variable winds at the surface. As the pilot continued onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern, he configured the airplane with the flaps extended at an airspeed of 65 knots. At 150 feet above ground level (agl), the airplane encountered a downdraft. In an effort to slow the descent, the pilot applied full power. Prior to touching down on the airstrip, he reduced the power. The airplane landed hard and bounced. The pilot opted to abort the landing by applying full power and began retracting the flaps to 20 degrees.

The pilot further stated that as he approached the trees aligning the end of the runway, he noticed that the airplane appeared not to produce a sufficient climb rate that would enable the airplane to clear the terrain. He elected to land ahead and the airplane touched down hard, collapsing the main landing gear.

The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine prior to the accident.