Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for gusting wind during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he landed with extra power to compensate for gusting wind. He added that, after the main landing gear touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust and ballooned up about 50 to 100 ft. The pilot initiated a go-around but was unsuccessful. The airplane impacted the runway in a flat attitude, and the nose landing gear was pushed/driven through the top of the cowling. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he landed with extra power to compensate for gusting wind. He added that after the main landing gear touched down, the airplane encountered a wind gust, and ballooned up about 50 to 100 ft. The pilot initiated a go-around, but was unsuccessful. The airplane impacted the runway in a flat attitude and the nose landing gear was pushed/driven through the top of the cowling. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.