Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while conducting stop-and-go landings on a beach in his tailwheel-equipped airplane, he flared early which resulted in a hard landing. The pilot lost directional control of the airplane and subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted resulting in substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, rudder, and vertical and horizontal stabilizers. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.