Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and the nose landing gear collapsing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a crosswind gust just prior to touchdown, which pushed it to the left, and the pilot corrected with right aileron and left rudder. Upon touchdown, the pilot felt a “soft bump rather than the typical soft touch of the main [landing] gear,” which was followed by a “large bounce and porpoising.” The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.