Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, he made a straight in approach about 80 knots and full flaps on final. He initiated the landing flare and "felt a slight sink in lift" that resulted in a hard landing. He reported that the airplane bounced four times with each bounce increasing in height and magnitude. Subsequently, he taxied the airplane to the nearest intersection but was unable to continue, because the airplane was "taxiing rough" and he believed that the nose landing gear tire was damaged.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right-side fuselage stringers.
Additionally, the pilot asserted that he underestimated the airplane's weight, and that a proper trim application could have helped to prevent this accident. He further emphasized that he should have aborted the landing after the first hard bounce.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA396