Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and postaccident fire. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s distraction during short final.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, during approach, he noticed the airplane was high, so he reduced power and lowered the nose. While correcting, he was talking to his passenger and became distracted. He realized he was not in a good landing attitude, so he added power and pulled back on the yoke. The airplane landed hard, which collapsed the nose landing gear and ruptured the fuel system. The airplane veered left and exited the runway onto the adjacent grass. The pilot and passengers egressed, and the airplane was destroyed in a postaccident fire.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added as a safety recommendation that maintaining a sterile cockpit must always be a priority during landing.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA591