Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a stabilized approach and improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while on the final approach to land, the airplane may have been a little fast. When the airplane touched down on the runway, it porpoised, which resulted in the separation of the nose landing gear. The airplane then veered off the runway onto grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the airplane reported that, while on the final approach to land, the airplane may have been a little fast. When the airplane touched down on the runway it porpoised and resulted in separation of the nose gear. The airplane impacted the runway surface and veered off the runway onto the adjacent grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.