Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper flare at touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot of the Piper PA28-161 stated that he landed "long" to avoid "swirling winds" around the trees at the approach end of runway 10. After touchdown, he applied back-pressure on the yoke to "keep the nose wheel light," when the nose of the airplane suddenly pitched up. The nose then dropped on the runway and collapsed the nose landing gear, which substantially damaged the airplane. The winds reported about 26 miles west, were from 360 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported that there were no deficiencies with the handling and performance of the airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC07CA216