Accident Details
A pilot flying a single-engine airplane experienced a hard landing on runway 5, which is 6,100 feet long and 100 feet wide with an asphalt surface. The accident occurred while the pilot was practicing landings in preparation for a sport pilot practical test. The pilot had already completed three landings prior to the accident landing.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that during the accident approach, he flew at 60 miles per hour (mph) instead of his normal approach speed of 70 mph. He recalled that the wind was from 300 degrees at 8 to 10 knots. As he entered the landing flare, the airplane was to the right of the runway centerline and had a "very slow" airspeed. The pilot reported that he "put [the] nose down to pick up airspeed and added a little (too little) power." The airplane then landed on the nose wheel and bounced. He added power, but the airplane hit the runway a second time. The airplane subsequently came to a stop, and the pilot taxied to the ramp.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident inspection revealed that the nose wheel had fractured and the firewall was damaged. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.