Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the proper glidepath and execute a proper flare. Lack of familiarity is a contributing factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting his initial landing in this airplane, which has only one seat. According to the pilot, 'the glide angle, touchdown point seemed good until at 150 feet from edge (of runway) when power was purposely reduced to idle. The nose dropped (expected) and then responded to back elevator (expected) but failed to hold the flare angle to the runway edge. The landing was 50 feet short of the runway. The gear broke at the tubular connection between the left and right spring gear (and) the left gear departed.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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