Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a nose-wheel-first landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The operator reported that the pilot took the keys to the airplane and commenced a flight in the local pattern. While landing, the airplane contacted the runway hard on the nose gear. After the flight, the operator's maintenance personnel discovered evidence of a propeller strike to the runway and a damaged firewall. The pilot did not respond to Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board requests for information regarding the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The operator reported that the pilot took the keys to the airplane and commenced a flight in the local pattern. While landing, the airplane contacted the runway hard on the nose gear. After the flight, the operator’s maintenance personnel discovered evidence of a propeller strike to the runway and a damaged firewall. The pilot did not respond to Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board requests for information regarding the accident.