Incident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane was returning to land after experiencing radio transmission problems. Air traffic control requested an expedited final approach, and the pilot complied by increasing airspeed to 115 mph. As the airplane neared the runway, the pilot progressively reduced airspeed to 65 mph, extended the flaps to 30 degrees, and compensated for a minor crosswind.
Sequence of Events
Over the runway with the throttle at idle, the pilot flared the airplane and the main landing gear touched down on the runway. At that point, the pilot encountered significant wind gusts, causing the airplane to become airborne again. The airplane then touched down a second time on the nose wheel and spontaneously began a rapid pitch oscillation. The pilot used ailerons and brakes to bring the airplane to a stop on the runway and subsequently taxied to the ramp.
While taxiing on the ramp, the nose wheel became uncontrollable and the brakes seized. The pilot stopped the airplane on the ramp.
Aircraft Damage
Examination of the airplane after the incident revealed two flat tires, two bent propeller blades, a damaged nose gear assembly, and a bent firewall.