Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and the airplane nosing over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was approaching to land at his private airstrip and that he misjudged the airplane height above the runway and incorrectly relaxed back pressure on the control stick, which allowed the nosewheel to contact the runway before the main landing gear. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was approaching to land at his private airstrip at the time of the accident. He stated that he misjudged the airplane height above the runway and incorrectly relaxed back pressure on the control stick, which allowed the nose wheel to contact the runway before the main landing gear. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer. The pilot noted that there were no failures or malfunctions related to the airplane prior to the accident.