Landing Incident Results in Propeller Strike and Nose Gear Damage

Event Description

The pilot reported that during the landing, the airplane touched down on the main landing gear but with the nose in a low attitude. This caused the aircraft to balloon slightly, prompting the pilot to apply power to ease the descent. The main landing gear made contact with the runway a second time, and the pilot applied as much back pressure as possible on the yoke. When the nose gear touched the ground, the pilot heard a grinding noise. The airplane then began to buck and veered to the left, though it remained on the runway. Subsequently, the propeller struck the runway surface, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall.

Post-Landing Inspection

After the pilot exited the airplane, it was observed that the nose gear tire was flat and the oleo strut was devoid of fluid. The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunction or failure had occurred with the airplane prior to the accident.