Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing and the nose landing gear collapsing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the airplane landed hard and flat on the nose landing gear (NLG) and then bounced. The NLG subsequently collapsed, and the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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.