Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare. Contributing to the accident were the wind gusts.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while performing a touch-and-go landing, a gust of wind turned the airplane. He stated that he applied some power and straightened the airplane out, but that the airplane came down hard, bouncing several times and collapsing the nose landing gear before the airplane came to a stop. The firewall and fuselage skins showed evidence of buckling.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while performing a touch and go landing, a gust of wind turned the airplane. He stated that he applied some power and straightened the airplane but the airplane came down hard and bounced. He stated that the airplane bounced several times and then came down hard on the nose landing gear. The nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to a stop. The firewall and fuselage skins showed evidence of buckling.