Amateur-built ZODIAC 601 XL N676L accident near Chesapeake, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing, causing the airplane to bounce and the nose gear to collapse, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall and frame.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot of the tricycle landing gear equipped airplane, he was performing a normal approach and landing to an asphalt runway. He reported that after accomplishing the landing flare he recalled "jockeying" the stick in order to get closer to the runway. The airplane touched down, bounced three times and the pilot added power. The airplane struck the ground a fourth time and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot reported that the airplane skidded down the center of the runway and came to a halt. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and frame.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA098 for the full record.