History of the Flight
The pilot departed Westonzoyland airfield with a friend in another aircraft. Upon arrival at Bembridge Airfield, the pilot joined the left downwind circuit for Runway 12 as number two behind his friend. The windsock indicated a windspeed of 5-6 kt from approximately 150°, and the weather conditions were good. The pilot observed his friend land and taxi to the parking area while he continued his approach, which was normal.
Landing and Go-Around
During the landing flare, as the aircraft crossed the threshold, the pilot felt the aircraft drift to the left of the centreline. While correcting this drift, the nose dropped, causing the nosewheel to strike the ground. The aircraft bounced twice before the pilot applied full power and climbed away on a go-around. He completed another circuit, followed by a normal landing, and taxied to the parking area.
Damage
Upon inspection after parking, the pilot found damage to the propeller tips and the front wheel spat. A later inspection revealed additional damage to the firewall and fuselage at the nose leg mounting point.
Pilot's Conclusion
The pilot concluded that the left drift during the flare was caused by a sudden freshening of the wind. In correcting this drift, he flared later than usual, which led to premature ground contact of the nosewheel.