Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate flare during touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The approach to the runway was normal and the pilot configured the airplane for landing. The airplane touched down on the runway surface hard, resulting in it bouncing down the runway two or three times. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed and the airplane came to rest over halfway down the runway. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine. Inspection of the airframe found that the firewall was substantially damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
In a written statement, the pilot reported that while en route to his destination airport, the fuel gauges malfunctioned to erroneously indicate empty tanks. With the insistence of his passenger, the pilot opted to divert to the closest airport. The approach was normal and he configured the airplane for landing. The airplane touched down on the runway surface hard, resulting in it bouncing down the runway two or three times. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed and the airplane came to rest over halfway down the runway. As a result of the impact the airplane sustained damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.