Accident Details
An aircraft fitted with a Sportsman STOL kit was approaching an unimproved airstrip. The pilot reported using an indicated airspeed of 45 knots during the approach. The winds were described as light and variable, up to 5 knots. During low passes, the pilot noted only light turbulence, referring to them as "bumps."
On short final, just prior to touchdown, the airplane began to sink. The pilot applied some power but did not use full throttle. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground approximately 50 feet short of the airstrip in rough terrain. The impact sheared off the nose gear, and the airplane nosed over.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the winds were light and variable to 5 knots, and during low passes only light bumps were encountered. The sink on short final prompted a power addition that was insufficient to arrest the descent. The aircraft then contacted the ground short of the intended landing area. The resulting damage included the separation of the nose landing gear and the aircraft coming to rest inverted.