Accident Sequence
While in the traffic pattern, the private pilot requested that the flight instructor perform the first landing. As the airplane passed over the approach end of the runway, the instructor attempted to flare for landing three times, but each attempt was unsuccessful. During the third flare attempt, the airplane struck the runway, causing the nose landing gear to collapse and the propeller to contact the runway surface.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the control tee pulleys for the aileron control system could become hung up on the radio tray assembly. This interference inhibited the elevator travel. Additionally, numerous components in the airplane's flight control system exhibited wear and could be moved laterally out of their normal range of travel. The radio mounting assembly also lacked the installation of a vertical support that would have helped ensure proper clearance with portions of the flight control system.
Maintenance History
The last annual inspection had been performed 13 days prior to the accident. No maintenance activity concerning the affected components was documented. During an interview, a mechanic who conducted the annual inspection stated that he observed wear on one of the components but believed it would not be a problem. The maintenance facility's work order form for the airplane noted that wear was observed on an "aft bulkhead elevator pulley," but no clearing action was recorded for that pulley or the other component. According to the Cessna 100 series service manual, an inspection of the "elevator system for correct rigging and proper travel" was required during an annual inspection.