Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane experienced a hard landing after he became distracted by air traffic control instructions. Following the initial hard landing, the pilot executed a go-around and then landed uneventfully. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.