Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the landing from an unstabilized approach which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was flying the airplane from the right seat which he was not experienced in doing. He reported the approach was unstabilized, but he continued the landing resulting in a loss of control and subsequent hard landing. In addition, the pilot did not have access to the pitch trim control which was located on the left seat yoke which most likely contributed to the unstabilized approach.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was flying the airplane from the right seat as he practiced touch and go landings. He reported he had difficulty maintaining a stabilized approach, but elected to continue with the landing. The airplane porpoised during the landing, and the nose gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and carry-through wing spar. The pilot stated he was not very experienced in flying from the right seat and he did not have access to the pitch trim which was located on the left seat yoke. In addition, the he stated he should have performed a go-around instead of continuing the landing.