Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane touched down and bounced during landing on the runway. The nose landing gear collapsed during about the third bounce when it impacted a rise in the runway. The airplane nosed over and came to rest on its canopy and vertical stabilizer, resulting in substantial damage to the stabilizer and firewall. The pilot stated that he landed "hot." The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Source record
Factual narrative
The airplane touched down and bounced during landing on runway 27 (2,430 feet by 155 feet, turf). The nose landing gear collapsed during a bounce when it impacted a rise in the runway. The airplane nosed over and came to rest on its canopy and vertical stabilizer resulting in substantial damage to the stabilizer and firewall. The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration that he landed "hot". The pilot and passenger were uninjured.