Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent nose over during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot described that during the landing approach to the turf runway, while about 50 feet above the runway threshold, he reduced engine power and the airplane began to descend rapidly. He responded by increasing engine power, but the airplane impacted the ground and nosed over. The airplane’s fuselage and vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.