Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a flight to an airport, the second of three landings felt 'hard.' After returning and landing uneventfully, the pilot was informed two days later that the aircraft had sustained a 'prop-strike.'
Witness Account
A witness observed an airplane traveling at approximately 120 mph making a long, low approach. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold about 50 feet in the air while carrying partial power. Halfway down the runway, the airplane abruptly nosed down. It touched down hard on the nose gear, producing a noise described as 'metal rasping.' The airplane then bounced into the air and came down hard on its nose gear a second time. After the second bounce, the airplane departed the area.
The witness described the airplane as a single-engine Cessna, white with red trim, larger than a Cessna 172, with an engine that sounded more powerful than a 172's.
Operator and Damage
An airplane operator stated that substantial damage was noticed during an inspection conducted after the flight. The operator noted the aircraft's colors were maroon and silver over white, differing from the witness's description of white with red trim.
Pilot Recommendation
In his statement, the pilot recommended 'continued dual instruction in pattern' as a safety recommendation.