Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare which, resulted in a bounced landing, loss of airplane control and subsequent nose over.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot in the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, he planned for a wheel landing. Shortly after the main landing gear touched down followed by the tailwheel, the main landing gear lifted off the ground. The pilot pitched the airplane forward, but the airplane continued to bounce. The pilot again applied forward pressure to the control stick when the tail lifted, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The rudder, wing struts and forward fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.