Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper approach and landing flare in dark night, which resulted in a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot reported that, during a night personal flight, he was cleared for an instrument landing system approach. The pilot disconnected the autopilot at 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl), and he had the runway in sight at 1,000 ft msl. The pilot reported that the approach was continued, and the airplane crossed the runway threshold too high and fast. When the airplane touched down, it bounced at least twice before he added power in an effort to regain control. On the third or fourth bounce, the right main and nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane slid off the side of the runway, coming to rest on the grass. The right wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The commercial pilot reported that during a night personal flight, he was cleared for an instrument landing system approach. The pilot disconnected the autopilot at 1,500 ft mean sea level (msl), and he had the runway in site at 1,000 ft msl. The pilot reported that the approach was continued, and the airplane crossed the runway threshold too high and fast. When the airplane touched down, it bounced at least twice before he added power in an effort to regain control. On the third or fourth bounce, the right main and nose gear collapsed. The airplane slid off the side of the runway, coming to rest on the grass. The right wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.