Airplane Bounced Slightly On Initial Touchdown, And It Drifted To The Right Of The Centerline

Location: Payson, Arizona Accident Number: ANC24LA028
Date & Time: April 14, 2024, 15:48 Local Registration: N75KM
Aircraft: Team Rocket F1 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that, while landing with a left crosswind, the airplane bounced slightly on initial touchdown, and it drifted to the right of the centerline. The pilot applied left aileron and left rudder to correct for the veer and added engine power to abort the landing, but a gust of wind rolled the airplane to the right, and the right wing struck the runway. Subsequently, the pilot elected to land the airplane on the remaining portion of the runway.

During the second touchdown on the right side of the runway, the pilot said he lost directional control. The airplane travelled laterally across the runway surface and exited the left side of the runway, bending the right landing gear leg backward and the airplane nosed down. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and engine mount tube structure.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov