PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 12; Flight Crew Total 200; Flight Crew Type 19
Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Object; Ground Excursion Runway
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Human Factors
Ceiling was clear. Visibility was at least 10 miles. No precipitation. Upon landing I did not complete my flare and the main gear touched ground before I intended them to. I bounced and started porpoising. The plane went into the grass on the right side of the runway. When the plane stopped I taxied back onto the runway and [then] onto taxiway to clear the active. Tower asked if I needed assistance and I declined. I asked to taxi to the hangars; which they allowed. Upon inspecting the plane I saw a dent in the right flap. I figured the flap hit a raised runway light either during a bounce or more likely just by it hitting the underside of the flap when I rolled forward on the gear.I was able to get the phone number of the Tower from a local FBO. I called and spoke with the Controller with whom I was speaking during approach and landing. She confirmed that a runway light was hit but that it was somehow handled by maintenance. She reported no debris on the runway. I provided her with my name and phone number; so they could contact me further.Primary factor: Not responding correctly with control inputs to first bounce and onset of porpoising. I intend to spend time with a CFI to review this topic. Possible factor: Winds were reported by the Tower as coming from 220 at 10 knots gusting to 18 knots. I did include a gust factor in my landing airspeed. I did not perceive any gusting during final. Possible factor: The setting sun was low on the horizon. During final I adjusted the visor to just block the sun without blocking my view of the runway. It might have been the case that upon starting the flare; as the front of the plane angled up; the sun was no longer blocked by the visor.
PA32 pilot reported some wing damage resulted when he lost directional control on landing roll and struck a landing light.