Incident Overview
On December 31, 2012, at 1230 Pacific standard time, an experimental Kaufmann Vans RV-10, registration N104BK, experienced a loss of elevator control while on short final approach to runway 30L at North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), Las Vegas, Nevada. The pilot/owner/builder was operating the airplane under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO), Reno, Nevada, approximately 1030, with an intended destination of VGT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed; however, the pilot was using flight following.
According to the pilot, the airplane was in Phase II of its Operating Limitations and had accumulated approximately 48 hours of total time. On short final, the pilot reported losing elevator control while retaining aileron control. Unable to flare, the airplane landed hard, bounced once back into the air, and then came down on its nose.
Postaccident Examination
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a postaccident examination of the airplane and found that the attachment bolt for the elevator assembly was missing. Van's aircraft maintenance instructions specify the use of two washers and an elastic stop nut to secure the elevator assembly attachment bolt.
Conclusion
The investigation did not assign a probable cause. The missing attachment bolt was noted as a finding during the postaccident examination.