ERA11CA181

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that he maneuvered the airplane for an approach to the runway and was compensating for a crosswind. He said that while over of the approach end of the runway, about 20 feet above the ground, the bottom seemed to drop out and the airplane slammed onto the runway and bounced back into the air. To recover, the pilot applied full engine power and the airplane started to accelerate, but before sufficient altitude was gained the wind pushed the airplane to the left into bushes located about 30 feet to the side of the runway. The airplane came to a full stop just short of mid field. The left side of the fuselage and left wing incurred substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions or any of the airplane’s systems prior to the accident. The pilot reported that he maneuvered the airplane for an approach to the runway and was compensating for a crosswind. While over the approach end of the runway, about 20 feet above the ground, the airplane descended rapidly and touched down hard. As the airplane bounced back airborne, the pilot attempted to recover by applying full engine power and it started to accelerate. Before sufficient altitude was gained, the wind pushed the airplane to the left into bushes located about 30 feet off the runway. The airplane came to a full stop just short of mid field. The left side of the fuselage and left wing incurred substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C