Incident Overview
A private pilot with 305 hours of flight experience was on downwind for landing on a 4,300-foot long by 60-foot wide asphalt runway. During the approach, the pilot attempted to lower the flaps using the manual flap handle but found it would not move past the half-flap setting. He then realized that his seat belt was wrapped around the flap handle, restricting its movement.
Distraction and Approach
To free the flap handle, the pilot released his seat belt. While focusing on the seat belt, he became distracted and turned from downwind to final at a speed 15 mph faster than normal and at a higher altitude than normal. Despite these deviations, the pilot determined that sufficient runway length remained for landing.
Landing Sequence
The pilot leveled off and began the flare, but the airplane landed hard and bounced back into the air. He added power in an attempt to recover, but the airplane sank and bounced a second time, followed by a third bounce. During the third bounce, the pilot lost directional control, and the airplane veered to the left of the runway.
Outcome
When the airplane's nose wheel contacted the turf beside the runway, it broke, and the airplane nosed over. No injuries were reported in the source.
Probable Cause
The source does not explicitly state a probable cause for the accident.