NTSB Factual Report

The pilot in the tri-cycle gear equipped airplane reported that he landed about 4 ft short of the asphalt runway. The nose landing gear struck the 6-inch high asphalt perimeter and separated from the airplane. The pilot aborted the landing and the airplane bounced and the pilot was able to establish a climb. He completed one traffic pattern and an approach. During the second landing, the pilot elected to land on the turf safety area parallel to the runway. When the airplane's main landing gear touched down on the turf surface, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall, fuselage, left wing and the empennage.

Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented by being more diligent in observing the touchdown point on the runway.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper glidepath during landing, which resulted in the airplane landing short of the runway, the nose landing gear separating, and the airplane nosing over during a second landing.