N1685Avipro Aircraft BEARHAWK · 2008

The pilot reported that he conducted a low pass over the runway to check runway and wind conditions and noted that the wind was light and variable. On the second approach to landing, while about 10 ft above the runway, a “sudden, strong wind gust hit” and airplanes nose came up abruptly. The pilot attempted to go around; however, the airplane landed hard, and the landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions that precluded normal operation.

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped, experimental amateur-built airplane, during landing the airplane encountered a left crosswind gust. The pilot lost directional control of the airplane and exited the left side of the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing spar.

The METAR nearest the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident the wind was light and variable at 3 knots. There were no reported gusts and the ceiling was broken at 30,000 feet. The temperature was 63°F and the dew point was 19°F.

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

During a visual approach, the private pilot recognized a quartering crosswind for the landing runway. The pilot elected to continue the landing for experience since he had only nine previous landings in this airplane. According to the pilot "I either flared high or allowed the airplane to balloon up after the flare. The airplane dropped maybe three feet after the stall, and after the bounce, it came back to the runway in a slight crab." The pilot attempted to correct for the drift, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground looped. The pilot was not injured. Examination of the airplane revealed the right gear collapsed and the right wing spar bent.