Accident Details
The accident occurred during a landing in gusting crosswind conditions. The pilot reported that during the landing flare, the pilot-side wheel briefly touched down. Subsequently, a wind gust pushed the airplane down, resulting in the nose gear impacting the runway hard. The pilot heard a "snapping popping bang" under his feet, and the airplane bounced back into the air. When the airplane settled back to the runway, it skidded to the right and off the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that the landing was conducted on runway 30.
Weather Conditions
An automated weather observation station at the accident airport recorded wind from 280° at 13 knots around the time of the accident.
Damage
The firewall sustained substantial damage.