NTSB Factual Report

On April 8, 2006, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a experimental amateur-built David W. Lawrence, model Van's Aircraft RV-9A airplane, N339DL, registered to and operated by David Lawrence, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 flight, made a hard landing at Venice, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Punta Gorda, Florida, the same day, about 1330.

The pilot stated that his approach speed on final approach to land was too fast, and the touch down point was beyond the optimum touchdown point. He said he inappropriately had a nose low attitude, and the nose gear rather than the main gear hit the runway with a thump. He then executed a go-around, and the second approach was better. He flared and landed the airplane on the main landing gear, and as nose was lowered, there was a scraping sound. After stopping the airplane the pilot said he noted that the airplane had incurred damage. Prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare/touchdown which resulted in a hard landing and damage to the airplane.