Flight Details
The pilot was flying the aircraft from the right seat to allow a female passenger to use the more adjustable left seat. The aircraft was on final approach for landing with 30 degrees of flaps selected.
Accident Sequence
At 70 knots on final approach, the aircraft began to settle and the airspeed decayed. The pilot advanced the throttle, but before the engine could respond, something caused the aircraft to pitch up, and the pilot inadvertently retarded the throttle. The stall warning activated. The pilot then pushed the throttle back in and lowered the nose. The aircraft contacted the ground on the nose gear approximately 60 feet short of the runway. The nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded onto the runway before veering off.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the flaps were found in the retracted position with the flap handle down. Neither of the two occupants was using the available shoulder harnesses. Both occupants sustained head injuries as a result of the accident.