Accident Overview
A student pilot, operating on a cross-country flight, experienced an incident during landing at an en route airport. The student entered the traffic pattern for a landing on Runway 03, with winds reported from 010 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 27 knots.
Flight and Landing Sequence
On final approach, the pilot extended 20 degrees of flaps and maintained a crab to the left to compensate for the crosswind. During touchdown, a strong gust of wind was encountered, causing the airplane to suddenly rise to an estimated height of 6 to 8 feet above the runway. The pilot applied slight up elevator pressure, anticipating the plane would settle back to the runway. Instead, the nose dropped and the airplane bounced twice.
Aftermath and Damage
After the airplane slowed during the landing roll, the pilot noticed a flat nose tire. The pilot then cleared the runway and shut down the engine. Subsequent inspection revealed that the propeller and firewall were bent.
Pilot Experience
According to the pilot's report, he had received no instruction in crosswind landings or recovery from bounced landings.