Incident Overview
A pilot flying an airplane with approximately 9 total flight hours conducted a touch-and-go landing. During the departure climb, the flaps failed to retract. The pilot aborted the first landing attempt due to improper positioning and performed a go-around. On the second approach, he initiated a straight-in approach from about 3 miles out, as the flaps remained extended.
Landing and Nose Gear Collapse
Upon touchdown, the airplane's nose struck the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse. As the airplane decelerated, the pilot intentionally steered off the paved surface into adjacent grass to avoid blocking the runway. The nose gear then dug into the soft terrain, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the flap system revealed a blown fuse. No other preimpact malfunctions or abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation were identified.