Incident Overview
A pilot reported an event following a return to the departure airport. According to the pilot, the flight lasted 40 minutes before the decision was made to return. The intended landing was on runway 03. At the time, the wind was reported from 010 degrees to 040 degrees at 9 knots, with gusts to 14 knots.
Landing and Gust Encounter
During the flare for landing, just before touchdown, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind. As described by the pilot, the gust "lifted me back in the air then slammed me back to the runway." The resulting landing was firm.
Damage and Post-Landing Actions
As a consequence of the firm landing, the nose landing gear was bent to the left. After the landing, the pilot taxied the airplane off the runway onto the adjacent grass.
Additional Information
No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or other conditions were provided in the source.