Incident Details
The pilot reported that during the flare to touchdown phase of the approach, the airplane dropped onto the runway. As the airplane touched down, the pilot felt and heard the nose gear assembly collapse.
Pilot Actions
After the touchdown, the pilot applied power and executed a go-around. While maneuvering for the second approach, the pilot noted that the left rudder pedal was stuck on the floor, resulting in a lack of total rudder control. On the subsequent landing, the pilot held the nose off the runway as long as possible. When the nose section touched down, the airplane veered off the runway and nosed over in the sod area adjacent to the runway.
Examination
Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem, nor did the pilot report a mechanical problem. According to the Fixed Base Operator, the winds were shifting between 300 and 010 degrees as the pilot attempted the first landing.