Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper level off and flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and firewall damage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he "let the nose fall through" in the landing flare and the airplane bounced once on the nose gear. During the second bounce, the propeller struck the runway, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he "let the nose fall through" in the landing flare and the airplane bounced once on the nose gear. During the second bounce, the propeller struck the runway, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.