NTSB Factual Report

On June 5, 2005, approximately 1300 central daylight time, a single-engine Beaton RV-6A, homebuilt airplane, N927CL, was substantially damaged during a hard landing following an unstable approach to Boerne Stage Field (5C1) near San Antonio, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from Boerne Stage Field at an unspecified time.

The 305-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he was on downwind for landing, when he noticed the manual flap handle would not move past the half-flap setting. He then realized that the seat belt was wrapped around the flap handle restricting its movement. In order to free the flap handle, the pilot released his seat belt. The pilot further stated that he was distracted with the seat belt, and turned downwind-to-final 15 mph faster and higher than normal. He added that he "crossed the threshold higher than normal, but determined that he had enough runway length". He then, "leveled off and began the flare, but the airplane landed hard and bounced in the air". The pilot recalled adding power; however, the airplane sank, hit and bounced in the air a second, and third time. The pilot stated that after the third bounce, "he lost directional control and veered to the left of the runway". When the nose wheel hit the turf, the nose gear "broke" and the airplane nosed over comming to rest in an inverted position.

The pilot reported substantial damage to the airplane, including structural damage to the fuselage, all tail surfaces, and the outboard section of the right wing. The canopy, engine cowling, and the nose landing gear were also damaged.

The pilot stated in the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 under the section; Recommendation (How This Accident Could Have Been Prevented): "By maintain(ing) proper landing speed, approach angle, and execute landing flare at the appropriate distance above the runway."

At 1253, the automated weather observing system at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), approximately 16 miles southeast of the accident site, reported wind from 150 degrees at 7 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, scatted clouds at 3,300 feet, temperature 86 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.88 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The hard landing as a result of the pilot’s improper flare and his failure to recover from a bounced landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's diverted attention.