Accident Description
According to a written report, the pilot stated that he was conducting a normal approach to landing on runway 24. He reported that the airplane's speed was fine and that he was straight on the final approach. The pilot noted that the airplane landed with the nose up and directly over the runway centerline. As the main gear touched down, the airplane tipped to the left. The propeller then struck the runway, followed by the right wing tip contacting the runway surface. The pilot reported that the airplane came to rest near the center of the runway. A later inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall and left wing spar.
Weather Information
An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) was issued at 1653 PDT, approximately 7 minutes before the accident. The report indicated winds from 230 degrees at 5 knots, visibility of 8 miles, clear skies, a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, a dew point of 13 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.90 inches of mercury.
Post-Accident Inspection
Under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), maintenance personnel at Fullerton inspected the airplane. Inspection of the brake system operation revealed no discrepancies. Rudder operation and travel were normal, regardless of parking brake engagement. The trim settings for both the ailerons and the rudder were found in a near-neutral position. Inspectors drained both wing tanks and found a difference of approximately 2 gallons of fuel between them. A second inspection of the airplane included the main landing gear wheel fairings; no anomalies were noted, and proper installation of the parts was confirmed. Additionally, the right brake assembly and operation were observed to have no discrepancies. The FAA inspectors noted that the airplane was recently purchased new and had a total time of 60.2 hours.