Incident Details
The pilot reported being on final approach to runway 34 at the destination airport. During the landing flare, the airplane encountered a gust of wind about 40 degrees off its nose. This caused the airplane to balloon upward, off the runway surface. In an effort to counteract the wind, the pilot pushed the control yoke forward. The airplane then touched down hard, collapsing the nose landing gear. Following the hard touchdown, the airplane became airborne again. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to the ground and landed.
Aircraft Damage
As a result of the accident, the airplane incurred damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Weather Conditions
A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for the airport, issued around the time of the accident, reported winds from 360 degrees at 07 knots. Twenty minutes later, the report indicated wind from 360 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 17 knots.