GAA15CA106

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that during the landing flare a gust of wind rotated the nose to the left and he responded by correcting with right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard, bounced 3 to 4 times, and the propeller struck the runway. The pilot was able to maintain directional control and taxied to the ramp without further incident. During a post-flight inspection, substantial damage was found on the firewall. The reported winds at the airport about the time of the accident were from 340 degrees true at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots, and the runway heading was 310 degrees. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that during the landing flare a gust of wind rotated the nose to the left and he responded by correcting with right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard, bounced 3 to 4 times, and the propeller struck the runway. The pilot was able to maintain directional control and taxied to the ramp without further incident. During a post-flight inspection, substantial damage was found on the firewall. The reported winds at the airport about the time of the accident were from 340 degrees true at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots, and the runway heading was 310 degrees.     The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Landing flare-Incorrect use/operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation