Incident Overview
A Nepalese national was piloting a cross-country flight to fulfill part of the requirements for a U.S. commercial pilot certificate. During the final approach, the pilot increased the crab angle to compensate for a crosswind he estimated to exceed 10 knots. He also added power to maintain airspeed.
Final Approach and Landing
As the aircraft neared the runway, the pilot observed an airspeed of 71 knots instead of the intended 65 knots, and consequently reduced power to idle. The airplane subsequently touched down hard and bounced twice. On the third bounce, the nose wheel went 'flat' and broke.
Witness Observation
A witness reported seeing the airplane when it was approximately 200 feet above the runway threshold. The aircraft was in a nose-down attitude and appeared to be traveling 'very fast.' The witness stated that the airplane touched down, 'bounced repeatedly,' and then departed the right side of the runway.