Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, as he began to flare for landing, the airplane started “ballooning.” The airplane subsequently landed hard, veered off the runway and struck a ditch. The nose landing gear was displaced into the engine firewall, and the underside of the forward fuselage was buckled. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.