Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not maintain control of the airplane while landing in gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 35. While on final approach for his third touch-and-go landing, the pilot felt a buffet and anticipated gusting wind conditions during the touchdown. About 200 feet above the ground, the stall warning horn sounded briefly and the airplane "dropped straight down." The airplane impacted the runway hard and bounced several times. The pilot added power in an attempt to go around; however, the airplane did not respond and impacted the runway again in a nose-low attitude. During the accident sequence the nose landing gear separated, the propeller was damaged, and the firewall wrinkled. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings on runway 35. While on final approach for his third touch-and-go, the pilot felt a buffet and anticipated gusting wind conditions during the touchdown. Approximately 200 feet above the ground the stall warning horn sounded briefly and the airplane "dropped straight down." The airplane impacted the runway hard and bounced several times. The pilot added power in attempt to go around; however, the airplane did not respond and impacted the runway again in a nose low attitude. During the accident sequence the nose landing gear separated, the propeller was damaged, and the firewall wrinkled. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.