Background
According to a local airport manager, witnesses from a fixed based operator observed the airplane during its approach to the airport.
Incident Details
The airplane was seen on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, approximately 50 to 70 feet above nearby trees. During final approach, the airplane descended well below the normal visual approach path before touching down on the runway. After touchdown, the airplane began to bounce and porpoise before becoming stable on the landing gear and taxiing to the ramp. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a hard landing.
Damage Assessment
Upon inspection, witnesses noted that the airplane's nose wheel was bent forward, and further examination revealed that the firewall was bent.