Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and failure to maintain pitch control, which resulted in a tail strike. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to initiate a go around after the abnormal runway contact.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane bounced. While compensating for the bounce, the pilot pitched up and the tail struck the landing surface, which resulted in 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.