Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and a nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after clearing some electrical wires on final approach, he reduced the throttle to idle. He further reported that the airspeed became low, the airplane landed hard and bounced twice, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after clearing some electrical wires on final approach, he reduced the throttle to idle. He further reported that the airspeed became low, the airplane landed hard, bounced twice, and the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.