Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the second landing, the airplane drifted to the left, so he applied right rudder to correct for the drift. He stated that when he reduced the power to land, the nose of the airplane dropped, and the airplane landed hard and porpoised. The pilot regained control of the airplane and landed on the remaining runway. A postaccident examination revealed that the nose gear was pushed up, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported there were no failures or malfunctions of the airplane prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported he applied right rudder to correct for the airplane drifting to the left during his second touch and go landing. He stated that when he reduced the power to land, the nose of the airplane dropped, contacting the runway, and the airplane porpoised. The pilot regained control of the airplane and landed on the remaining runway. A postaccident examination revealed that the nose gear was pushed up resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported there were no failures/malfunction of the airplane.