Landing Bounce and Porpoise Precede Propeller Strike and Fuselage Damage

Incident Sequence

The private pilot reported that during the landing, the airplane bounced. Following the bounce, the airplane began to porpoise, characterized by a series of oscillations. After the third bounce, the pilot pushed the control yoke forward. This action resulted in the propeller striking the runway surface. The pilot initially believed that the damage was limited to the propeller.

Post-Accident Inspection and Reporting

Subsequent inspection of the airplane revealed that the damage was more extensive. The firewall and forward fuselage structure sustained substantial damage. The extent of the damage was not reported to the National Transportation Safety Board until June 1, 2009. The pilot reported that no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine had occurred prior to the accident. According to the pilot, there were no pre-existing mechanical issues with the airframe or engine.