Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, resulting in a hard landing and nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While about 10 feet above ground level when landing to a private airstrip, the airplane suddenly descended and landed hard on all three landing gear. When it bounced back into the air, the airplane veered to the left. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was taking a friend for a short flight. He landed on a private airstrip at a cow pasture where a radio control model airplane club regularly met. The friend got into the back seat and they took off. The pilot stated that there was a "stiff breeze blowing." They flew for about 25 minutes and then returned to the cow pasture. The pilot reported that about 10 feet above ground level, all of a sudden the airplane descended and landed hard on all three landing gear. When it bounced back into the air, the trike veered to the left. The left wing struck the ground and the airplane went up on its nose and then came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the trike.