Accident Sequence
A pilot and his son were returning from a local flight in the area. Tower personnel and a certified flight instructor (CFI) positioned in an aircraft at the approach end of the runway observed the aircraft making a full flap, steep approach. The nose gear contacted the runway first, followed by the main landing gear. The impact was forceful enough to cause the struts to bend severely, and the aircraft bounced approximately 20 feet into the air. On the last impact, parts of the nose gear separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then slid to a stop on its nose and propeller.
Observations
Tower personnel and the CFI noted that the approach was steep and that full flaps were deployed. They witnessed the nose gear striking the runway before the main gear, the severe bending of the struts, and the subsequent bounce. After the bounce, they observed the nose gear components detaching, after which the aircraft skidded to a halt.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the touchdown felt normal to him, but he added that he may have lowered the nose too fast during the landing. He reported that during the flare, he looked at the airspeed indicator and saw approximately 45 knots.
Maintenance Findings
After the accident, the pilot indicated that he thought he may have observed some pre-existing cracks in the failed components. However, maintenance personnel examined the parts and found no evidence of any pre-existing cracks.