Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent hard landing, runway excursion, and collision with a sign.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane stalled and then fell the final 3 to 5 ft to the runway and landed hard. Subsequently, the nose landing gear tire "blew out," which resulted in the mounting framework collapsing. The airplane then veered right and exited the runway, and the right wing impacted a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. .
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare, the airplane "[fell] the final 3 to 5 ft and landed hard. Subsequently, the nose landing gear tire "blew out" and collapsed, the airplane veered right, exited the runway and the ring wind impacted a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An automated weather observation station located 7 miles to the east, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 5 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 8.