Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing flare, the airplane bounced on the runway several times. The last time that the airplane bounced, the nosewheel landing gear impacted the runway, the front tire ruptured, and the propeller struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during the landing flare the airplane bounced on the runway several times. The last time the airplane bounced, the nose wheel landing gear impacted the runway, the front tire ruptured, and the propeller struck the ground resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.