Synopsis
A pilot reported that during a landing approach, the airplane encountered a downdraft, resulting in a hard touchdown. The airplane subsequently bounced airborne twice before the pilot decided to abort the landing and re-enter the traffic pattern for the same runway. The pilot completed a second landing attempt without further incident.
Event Details
The pilot configured the airplane for landing. While on approach to the runway, the airplane encountered a downdraft. The touchdown was hard, causing the airplane to bounce. After two bounces, the pilot elected to abort the landing and maneuvered the airplane back into the traffic pattern. The second landing was uneventful.
Weather
An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for the airport around the time of the accident indicated a right quartering headwind at 13 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Damage and Pilot Report
Upon exiting the airplane after the successful landing, the pilot observed that the propeller had struck the runway during the initial landing attempt. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.