Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in the airplane contacting the ground short of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that she decided to fly the airplane from the right seat due to a headset plugin issue on the left side and noted that she had not flown from the right seat before without a flight instructor onboard. On short final, to an unfamiliar airport, the pilot thought she was slow and increased the throttle, simultaneously she pushed forward on the yoke which resulted in the nose gear impacting the grass just prior to the runway. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to both wings and rudder. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.