Accident Overview
A pilot experienced a landing incident that resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's engine mount. According to the pilot, during the first attempt to land, the nose wheel touched down first and the airplane porpoised. He aborted that landing and performed another approach.
Second Landing
On the second landing, the airplane touched down on the runway and the nose landing gear collapsed. The pilot used differential braking to steer the airplane into the grass area on the left side of the runway.
Pilot's Assessment
In the recommendation section of the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot asserted that the accident could have been prevented if his airspeed had been slower and that the airplane's pitch attitude was better than during the initial landing. He also noted that he landed with a 90° crosswind from the left.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 08° at 11 knots. He landed on runway 17.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the glider that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.