Amateur-built RV-9A N486EM accident near Pacific City, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain control following a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was a temporary partial loss of power due to carburetor icing conditions.

NTSB analysis

The airplane was on final approach in the traffic pattern, when the pilot noticed it was descending too fast. He attempted to increase the engine rpm by pushing the throttle forward. The engine did not respond as he expected, with no increase in rpm occurring from the throttle movement, until just prior to touchdown. The airplane touched down hard on the runway surface, subsequently bouncing back airborne. The airplane touched down again and the pilot experienced a loss of control. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane continued to skid; it came to rest inverted. A Meteorological Terminal Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) indicated a temperature of 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a dewpoint of 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity of 88 percent. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions are conducive for serious icing at glide power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA143 for the full record.