What happened
The pilot reported that during the approach phase, the aircraft touched down approximately 150 feet from the approach end of the runway. Upon initial contact, the aircraft bounced upward by twenty feet before immediately descending for a second touchdown. This subsequent landing occurred with significant force against the runway surface.
The impact from the second touchdown caused structural failure of the nose gear assembly, which broke off completely. As a result of this failure, the propeller made contact with the runway pavement. Despite the mechanical damage, the pilot retained control of the aircraft using the brakes and successfully brought it to a stop approximately 30 feet to the left of the runway centerline.
The investigation
The pilot indicated that environmental conditions at the time of the incident involved light and variable winds. No other mechanical failures or weather-related factors were cited in the immediate narrative of the event.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the damage was the hard landing following the bounce. The sequence of events—initial touchdown, excessive bounce height, and subsequent high-energy impact—directly resulted in the nose gear failure and propeller strike.