Pilot Reports Nose Gear Collapse During Flare, Go-Around Executed

Incident Overview

A pilot reported experiencing a nose gear collapse during the flare for the third landing of the evening. According to the pilot's written statement, the first two full-stop landings were uneventful. The pilot noted "swirling winds" on final approach that were described as "strange" but had "no considerable impact." As the airplane flared for the third landing, it "went nose down in a quick motion." The pilot heard the nose gear strut collapse, added power, and executed a go-around. The pilot subsequently landed without further incident.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident examination revealed that the firewall and related structural components had been bent. Additionally, two of the three propeller blade tips exhibited 1/6-inch nicks. The airport's Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) reported calm winds at the time of the accident.