Pilot Report
The pilot reported that rain showers were present near the destination airport, prompting a diversion to a nearby airport. During the approach, the pilot noticed the airplane being pushed forward, accompanied by an increase in indicated airspeed and a nose-down attitude. Despite these conditions, the pilot continued the approach. Upon touchdown, the airplane landed hard on the nosewheel first, then bounced. The pilot initiated a go-around.
After re-entering the traffic pattern, the pilot approached the same runway. On touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane exited the runway to the left, coming to rest in a ditch. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation station (AWOS) at the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 100° at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 32. The pilot later noted that the windsock was found to be damaged and not indicating wind direction properly. However, the airport's AWOS was accessible via aircraft radio.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear tunnel. The pilot believed that the nose landing gear was damaged during the initial landing.