Accident Description
A private pilot with 2,000 hours of flight experience was landing a single-engine airplane on a 5,800-foot-long, 100-foot-wide asphalt runway when the aircraft touched down hard and the pilot lost control. During the landing sequence, the nose gear tire contacted the runway first, causing the airplane to bounce. After the bounce, the nose gear impacted the ground a second time and collapsed. The airplane came to rest upright on the left side of the runway. The impact buckled the engine firewall and damaged the left wing tip.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he had planned a local flight and elected to return to the airport after climbing to approximately 1,000 feet above ground. Prior to departure, he noticed that the left seat would not slide forward, preventing him from adjusting the seat position.
Medical History
The pilot's medical certificate was denied in September 2006 due to heart problems.
Weather Conditions
At 1753, a weather reporting station located 10 miles east of the accident site reported wind from 090 degrees at 9 knots and visibility of 10 statute miles.