Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing he flared high and the airplane landed on the nose landing gear. The airplane bounced and landed again on the nose landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. The airplane skidded to a stop on the runway. Postaccident examination showed the firewall and fuselage were buckled and bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing he flared too high and the airplane landed on the nose landing gear. The airplane bounced and then landed again on the nose landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. The airplane skidded to rest upright on the runway. Postaccident examination showed the firewall and fuselage were buckled and bent. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal flight.