NTSB Factual Report

On January 27, 2008, at 1530 eastern standard time, an Avid Aircraft MK-IV, collided with trees while landing at a private airstrip in Boswell, Indiana. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Kentland, Indiana, at 1500.

The pilot reported he was landing to the west on the grass airstrip and the winds were from the south-southwest at 12-15 miles per hour. He stated the airstrip is approximately 75-80 wide. The pilot stated that when he touched down the airplane bounced and became airborne to an altitude of about 10 feet above the airstrip. The airplane drifted off the right side of the airstrip and touched down a second time traveling into an area of pine trees. The fuselage traveled between two trees and the impact folded the wings back and wrinkled the fuselage. The left main gear also collapsed.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition which resulted in a loss of directional control during a bounced landing. Factors associated with the accident were the improper flare, the crosswind, and the trees which the airplane contacted.