Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

The pilot reported that he made his landing approach to runway 08 at 65 mph IAS and "moderate" power. He misjudged his altitude and was too high. He crossed the runway threshold approximately 35 feet above, applied full flaps, and reduced the power to idle. The airplane sank and "a small amount" of power was applied initially. Then, "significant power" was applied. The airplane impacted on the runway 150 feet past the threshold and bounced. It contacted the runway again in a right wing-low attitude, swerved 90 degrees to the right, and skidded to a halt. An examination of the airplane revealed the left main landing gear broken aft. The outer portion of the left wing, the left horizontal stabilizer, and the left elevator were crushed aft, and the fuselage was buckled. The left wing strut was broken at the wing. The pilot misjudging his altitude and his failure to maintain control of the airplane, resulting in a hard landing. Factors contributing to the accident were the excessive descent rate, and the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.