Accident Summary
A pilot experienced a runway excursion while performing a touch-and-go landing at Melbourne International Airport. The airplane departed the runway, resulting in the separation of the nose landing gear wheel and fork assembly and the aircraft nosing over. The pilot was the sole occupant at the time of the accident.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the flight proceeded to Melbourne International Airport after takeoff, where he visually flew several practice instrument approaches that ended with touch-and-go landings. The final approach before the accident was flown visually using the instrument landing system (ILS), with the intention of completing a touch-and-go landing. The airplane touched down on the runway centerline at approximately 65 knots. The pilot retracted the flaps and advanced the throttle when a "gust of wind picked up the wing and turned aircraft 30 degrees to the left." He applied aileron and rudder inputs, which lowered the wing but did not correct the heading. He reduced the throttle as the airplane departed the runway. The nose landing gear wheel and fork assembly separated after colliding with the upsloping terrain of a water retention ditch. The airplane then nosed over and came to rest approximately 100 feet from the ditch. The pilot stated he could not recall whether he had applied aileron input during the landing roll to counter a crosswind.
Weather and Examination
A special METAR weather observation taken approximately 10 minutes after the accident indicated wind from 210 degrees at 12 knots, with no gusts reported. Postaccident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed no discrepancies with the flight control cables for pitch or roll. Impact damage precluded a check of the rudder flight control cables. Additionally, the brakes and tires were checked and no discrepancies were noted.