Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper level off which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing were wind gusts and the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on final approach to runway 31. The automated weather observing system (awos) reported winds from 300 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots. The airplane lost altitude and landed hard on the runway. The pilot attempted a recovery by applying power. The airplane started to porpoise, the nose gear collapsed, the propeller struck the ground and the airplane veered off the runway onto the grass.
Source record
Factual narrative
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