Pilot Loses Control During Landing Sequence, Resulting in Nose Gear Collapse and Propeller Strike (N8292)

Accident Sequence

The airplane experienced a loss of control during the landing phase. According to the pilot, a gust of wind caused the right wing to lift, and the pilot overcorrected for the wind. This resulted in the airplane landing on the right main landing gear first, which caused it to bounce back into the air. The airplane then made a second touchdown on the left main landing gear, again bouncing. On the third touchdown, the pilot inadvertently pushed the control column forward, causing the airplane to land on the nose landing gear. The nose gear collapsed, and the propeller made contact with the runway surface.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided the account of the incident, stating that the gust of wind lifted the right wing. He believed his overcorrection for the wind led to the initial hard landing on the right main gear. The subsequent bounces and the final inadvertent forward control input were described by the pilot as part of the sequence leading to the collapse of the nose gear and propeller strike.