NTSB Factual Report

The airplane was substantially damaged during a hard landing on runway 5 (6,100 feet by 100 feet, asphalt). The pilot reported that he was practicing landings in preparation for a sport pilot practical test. He had conducted 3 landings prior to the accident. The pilot noted that he was flying the accident approach at 60 miles-per-hour (mph), instead of his normal approach speed of 70 mph. He recalled winds being from 300 degrees at 8 -10 knots. The pilot stated that as he entered the landing flare, the airplane was right of the runway centerline, at a "very slow" airspeed. He reported that he "put [the] nose down to pick up airspeed and added a little (too little) power." The airplane landed on the nose wheel and bounced. He added power but the airplane hit a second time. The airplane subsequently came to a stop and he taxied to the ramp. The post accident inspection revealed that the nose wheel had fractured and the firewall was damaged. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flare and his inadequate recovery from the bounced landing. A contributing factor was the lower than normal airspeed maintained during the final approach.