Unsecured Passenger Door and Landing Event Lead to Nose Gear Collapse

Incident Overview

A recently certificated pilot reported that during the initial climb he heard a whistling noise and noticed that the passenger door was not secured. He subsequently returned to the departure airport to secure the door.

Landing Sequence

The pilot added that during the landing flare, he believed that the wind decreased significantly, which resulted in him having "too much right rudder engaged." The airplane touched down 30° relative to center line, veered off the runway to the right, and the nose gear collapsed.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.