Amateur-built RV-7A N1243A accident near Charlottesville, Indiana

Probable cause

The improper landing attitude which damaged the nosewheel and a resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

While in the traffic pattern to land on a turf strip, the pilot noted that he was below a normal pattern altitude. During the final approach leg, the pilot had to add power to ensure the airplane would make the runway surface. Once the airplane made the end of the runway, the pilot pulled the throttle to idle and the airplane descended. The nosewheel touched first and bent aft. The airplane bounced and then landed hard. The nose of the airplane contacted the ground and the airplane flipped over, coming to rest in the inverted position. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failure prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA434 for the full record.