Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a wind gust during the landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was on final approach to runway 34 at the destination airport. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind about 40 degrees off its nose. The airplane ballooned up off the runway surface and the pilot pushed the control yoke in an effort to counteract the wind. The airplane touched down hard, collapsing the nose landing gear. The airplane again became airborne and the pilot maneuvered to the ground and landed. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the right wing. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the airport, issued around the time of the accident, reported winds from 360 degrees at 07 knots; 20 minutes later it reported the wind from 360 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he was on final approach to runway 34 at the destination airport. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind about 40-degrees off its nose. The airplane ballooned up, off the runway surface and the pilot pushed the control yoke in an effort to counteract the wind. The airplane touched down hard, collapsing the nose landing gear. The airplane again became airborne and the pilot maneuvered to the ground and landed. The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the right wing. A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the airport, issued around the time of the accident, reported winds from 360 degrees at 07 knots; 20 minutes later it reported the wind from 360 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.