Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare and recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the late stage in his approach to land, he was distracted by a large insect that hit the windscreen. Simultaneously, a gust of wind disturbed the airplane's attitude and the pilot overcompensated with the flight controls in response, causing the airplane to porpoise. This led to a premature touchdown and caused the airplane to bounce. As the airplane bounced, the propeller struck the runway and the nose tire deflated, substantially damaging the firewall and lower fuselage. The pilot stated that he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the late stage in his approach to land, he was distracted by a large insect that hit the windscreen. Simultaneously, a gust of wind disturbed the aircraft attitude which resulted in an overcompensation of the flight controls and subsequent airplane porpoising. This lead to a premature touchdown and caused the airplane to bounce. As the airplane bounced, the propeller struck the runway and the nose tire deflated, substantially damaging the firewall and lower fuselage. The pilot stated he did not experience any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.