Event Summary
A pilot reported an accident during a landing approach. The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern at a 45-degree angle and made the required radio call for landing on runway 27. He completed the pre-landing checklist and reported downwind at 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). He began his descent and extended one notch of flaps. While on base leg, he reported base and added a second notch of flaps. On final approach, he noted that he was higher than desired and selected full flaps.
Pilot Report
As the aircraft neared the runway, the pilot experienced ground effect lift. He pulled back on the controls, and the airplane settled onto the runway. The nose bounced a few times quickly, and the aircraft departed the runway. It began to oscillate with increasingly larger bounces. On the third bounce, the nose pitched over, folding the front nose gear under the airplane. The propeller struck the pavement. The plane skidded forward and veered to the left, where it struck a light and slid off the runway.
Outcome
The pilot reflected that he should have reacted faster on the first or second hop by applying throttle, which he believed would have allowed him to recover and go around. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and propeller; additional damage occurred from the impact with the light and the subsequent slide off the runway.