NTSB Factual Report

The pilot reported that during the approach to the desert airport, the wind had increased to about 15kts and gusting.

During landing, he reported that, "a gust of wind hit me from the opposite direction of flight causing a stall."

The airplane stalled about 8ft above runway 18 and landed hard.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts.

The METAR at the nearest airport reported that about the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 4kts and the temperature was 95°F. The field elevation was 725ft and the density altitude was 3,315ft.

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

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper airspeed and pitch control during landing in variable, gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.