Incident Description
According to the pilot's statement, a normal left-hand traffic pattern was flown with full flaps for the landing approach. The airspeed was slightly higher than normal, approximately 70 mph instead of the planned 65 mph for flare entry. The touchdown point occurred earlier than intended. The pilot indicated that he misjudged the rising airfield terrain during the flare, resulting in a firm three-point touchdown rather than a main-gear-first landing. Immediately after touchdown, the pilot lifted the weight off the nose wheel. However, from the observed fiberglass pieces from the nose gear fairing and a short groove in the turf, it appeared that the fairing was damaged during the initial touchdown, and the nose wheel may have become locked. When the nose gear touched down again, it left another groove, indicating that the nose fork twisted into the ground. As the slope flattened, the aircraft ballooned. The pilot attempted to add power but was too late. When the airplane settled, the damaged nose gear dug into the ground, the propeller struck the ground, and the aircraft overturned.
Pilot's Remarks
The pilot stated that he should have been more aware of the rising terrain at that end of the airfield and better managed his airspeed. He also noted that he should have been more attentive to the known issues with the aircraft's nose gear, such as using a higher nose wheel tire pressure and replacing it with the manufacturer's improved assembly that provides additional fork clearance. Additionally, he mentioned that he should have read the recent National Transportation Safety Board report from June 21, 2007, which detailed 18 accidents involving RV A model aircraft with nose wheel issues.