Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a bounced landing and the nose landing gear collapsing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while landing on a grass runway, the airplane bounced, and the nose of the airplane pitched up. The pilot attempted to push the nose back down while the airplane was about 10-15 feet off the ground. The airplane impacted the grass runway and the nose gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest about 80 feet from the initial impact. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported to an inspector that he hadn’t flown in many years and did not have a current flight review.