The pilot reported that, during approach, he was distracted by the right front seatback falling forward and interfering with his view of the G58’s control panel.
He added that he tried numerous times to push the seatback upright, but it would not stay in the upright position.
During final approach, he reached over to try to latch the seat belt to secure the seatback in an upright position. The airplane landed hard and porpoised.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the airport in Easton, Maryland, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 13 knots, gusting to 17 knots. The pilot landed on Runway 22.
Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA226
This April 2018 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Preflight check advice— fasten the seat belt and Connext the shoulder strap.
Question? Why does a pilot need to see the panel on final approach ?
If the seat isn’t interfering with the controls let it be.
Question. What maintenance was skipped or deferred on the seats.