Incident Overview
During the landing sequence on runway 32, the aircraft experienced a porpoising motion and a hard touchdown, resulting in separation of the nose wheel. The aircraft slid to a stop, and a small fire ignited in the engine compartment.
Sequence of Events
The pilot entered the landing pattern for runway 32, reduced airspeed to 80 knots, and selected 15 degrees of flaps. On final approach, the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) showed the aircraft was on glideslope. Touchdown occurred at 75 knots with the engine at idle. After touchdown, the aircraft ballooned and then descended hard onto the nose gear, causing the nose wheel to separate. The aircraft slid to a stop, and a small fire erupted in the engine compartment.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft. Winds at the time of landing were reported as 140 degrees at 10 knots.