Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare, and his inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he had difficulty activating the pilot-controlled lighting at the airport, which resulted in the airplane entering the base leg of the traffic pattern higher and closer to the runway than normal. The airplane was high and fast on final and landed at the midfield point. The pilot landed the airplane hard on the nose wheel and porpoised at least twice while attempting to complete the landing. Postaccident examination revealed damage to the airplane's firewall.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that difficulty activating the pilot controlled lighting at the airport resulted in entering the base leg of the traffic pattern higher and closer to the runway than normal. He was high and fast on final, and landed at the midfield point. He landed the airplane hard on the nose wheel and porpoised at least twice while attempting to complete the landing. Post flight inspection revealed damage to the airplane's firewall.