Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's glide path during the final approach, which resulted in a low approach path and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the final approach to land as part of a formation flight, he was focused on monitoring the airplane that landed in front of him, and his airplane's airspeed indicator. As a result, he inadvertently flew below the normal glide path, impacted terrain, and sheared off the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that during the final approach to land as part of a formation flight, he was focused on monitoring the airplane that landed in front of him, and his airplane's airspeed indicator. As a result, he inadvertently flew below the normal glide path, impacted terrain, and sheared off the nose landing gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.