Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after landing fast and hard which damaged the right main landing gear wheel pant which lodged under the wheel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during landing the airplane’s speed was too fast and it landed hard. The right main landing gear wheel pant became lodged under the right main landing gear tire, and the pilot applied the single lever hand brake. The unobstructed left tire created a pivot point, and the right tire slid on top of the fiberglass wheel pant until eroded, precipitating a loss of directional control. The airplane veered left, exited the left side of the runway, and nosed over substantially damaging the left wing and fuselage.