Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he was practicing touch and go landings. He made three uneventful landings, and on the fourth attempt, he was “a little too late” on the flare and bounced the airplane 2-3 times, lost control, and the airplane came to rest in a ditch off the side of the runway. The wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.