What happened
The aircraft was operating in weather conditions characterized by significant wind instability. Wind speeds were reported to be gusting up to 40 knots, with a specific report of low-level windshear affecting the approach path. The pilot indicated that his approach speed was excessive and that he likely did not flare sufficiently during the landing phase.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed hard and began to porpoise. During the third bounce, a strong gust of crosswind from the left side was encountered. This gust lifted the left wing while the nose dropped, causing the nose gear to bend sideways. Subsequently, the propeller made contact with the ground.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated structural damage to the landing gear and propulsion system resulting from the impact forces. The nose gear was found bent, consistent with the lateral load imposed by the crosswind gust during the bounce. Propeller damage occurred due to ground contact following the collapse of the nose gear strut.
Findings
The accident sequence was driven by a combination of pilot technique and environmental factors. Contributing elements included:
- Gusty wind conditions with reported low-level windshear
- Excessive approach speed maintained by the pilot
- Insufficient flare during the landing phase
- Strong crosswind gust from the left during the bounce
- Nose gear bending due to lateral load
- Propeller ground contact following nose gear failure