Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudged landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while practicing night landings he misjudged the timing of the touchdown flare, resulting in the airplane touching down hard in a nose low attitude. Both lower engine mounts were broken and the top of the aft fuselage was buckled. The pilot reported that no anomalies existed with the airplane prior to the flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot reported that while practicing night landings he misjudged the timing of the touchdown flare, resulting in the airplane touching down hard in a nose low attitude. Both lower engine mounts were broken and the top of the aft fuselage was buckled. The pilot reported that no anomalies existed with the airplane prior to the flight.