Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and partial loss of directional control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to depart and land with a known mechanical deficiency with the nose landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed with a known deficiency with the nose landing gear due to a hard landing he made on a grass runway a few days before. He then flew to another airport to seek help in fixing the nose landing gear but forgot that it was damaged when he landed. The pilot landed hard on all three landing gear and veered left of the runway centerline after the nose wheel separated and the strut collapsed. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed both propeller blades were damaged, and an engine mount was broken.