Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's unstable approach, which resulted in excessive airspeed during the touchdown, subsequent bounced landing, collapsed nose landing gear, and a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during final approach, his airspeed was too fast. He reported that he decided to extend the landing flare in ground effect in order to bleed off the excess airspeed. As the airplane's main landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane bounced. The pilot reported that when the airplane settled back on the runway, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane exited the runway to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and the composite fuselage floorboard. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the pilot, during final approach, his airspeed was too fast. He reported that he decided to extend the landing flare in ground effect in order to bleed off the excess airspeed. As the airplane's main landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane bounced. The pilot reported that when the airplane settled back on the runway, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane exited the runway to the left. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and the composite fuselage floorboard. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.