Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's excessive airspeed during landing, which resulted in abnormal runway contact, a runway excursion, and substantial damage to the airplane.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing, his airspeed was too high and the airplane bounced. He continued the landing, but the airplane porpoised, and on the third bounce slid off the runway. During the runway excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during landing, his airspeed was too high and the airplane bounced. He continued the landing, but the airplane porpoised, and on the third bounce slid off the runway. During the runway excursion, the nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the firewall.