Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land on a rough, grass airstrip, which resulted in the nose landing gear collapsing and a subsequent nose-over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after the airplane touched down on the grass airstrip and rolled about 130 ft, the nose landing gear impacted a depression and then bent aft. The nosewheel dragged through the grass about 30 ft, and the airplane then nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot added that this was the first time he had landed at this airstrip and that he was not aware of the hazards on the rough surface. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and wing struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after the airplane touched down on the soft grass landing strip and rolled about 130 ft, the airplane's nose landing gear (NLG) impacted a soft ground depression and the NLG bent aft. The nose wheel dragged through the grass about 30 ft before the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot added that this was the first time he had landed at this airstrip and was not aware of the hazards on the rough surface. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and wing struts. The pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.