Amateur-built TANGO 2 N55XT accident near Yulee, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare which resulted in a hard, bounced landing that damaged the nose landing gear, resulting in an inability to maintain directional control and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the approach to land the wind abruptly died down and the airplane began to sink as he passed over trees. He applied throttle to stop the airplane’s descent, but during the flare to land, the airplane was too fast and bounced on touchdown. The nose landing gear was damaged during the first bounce and the pilot was then unable to maintain directional control of the airplane. After departing the left side of the runway the airplane struck a fence and sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA015 for the full record.