Incident
A pilot experienced a series of bounces during a landing flare, which culminated in damage to the aircraft. The pilot had initiated the flare at idle or very low power, causing the airplane to bounce approximately four times. Each subsequent bounce was higher and more pronounced than the previous one.
Sequence of Events
During the landing, the pilot attempted to maintain directional control by keeping the airplane as straight as possible on the runway, believing that the bounces would stop on their own. After the third or fourth bounce, the nosewheel tire blew out and the propeller struck the ground. The airplane then came to a stop in the center of the runway.
Pilot's Response
Following the incident, the pilot shut down the engine. The pilot later reported that he flew with a flight instructor and learned what a porpoise condition is, how to recognize it, and how to recover the airplane from such a condition.
Aftermath
The aircraft came to rest on the runway without further incident. The pilot's subsequent training focused on identifying and recovering from porpoise conditions, which could prevent similar occurrences in the future.