Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing,
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during a short field landing, the airplane was high as it crossed the runway threshold. The pilot reduced power and lifted the nose of the airplane. The airplane landed hard, the propeller struck the ground, and the nose landing gear collapsed under the fuselage. The airplane came to rest on its nose and sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.