Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a cross-country flight experienced an incident during the landing roll at a non-towered airport. The pilot had announced his position while approaching the airport and intended to perform a straight-in approach to runway 35. The landing was normal, and the pilot reported that at least 4,000 feet of runway remained after touchdown.
Sequence of Events
As the airplane slowed to approximately 50 knots during the landing roll, the pilot decided to retract the flaps. However, he inadvertently grasped and raised the landing gear handle instead. This action caused the nose gear to retract, while the main landing gear remained extended. The airplane subsequently came to a stop on the runway.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The incident resulted in substantial damage to the nose keel structure, as well as damage to the cowl, nose gear doors, and propeller. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Remarks
The pilot stated, “When landing, pilot should make no changes to flaps or other systems until the airplane has fully decelerated.”