Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane bounced twice, which was followed by a noise that sounded like the airplane had sustained damage. The pilot aborted the landing and during the second landing attempt, the nose wheel landing gear separated, which resulted in the propeller striking the runway and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.