Cessna 182 pilot reported a momentary loss of control during gusting cross wind landing resulted in a propstrike on landing.
Synopsis
Cessna 182 pilot reported a momentary loss of control during gusting cross wind landing resulted in a propstrike on landing.
Narrative
Planned flight was local for general proficiency and to exercise aircraft navigation and autopilot modes in day/vfr conditions. A weather briefing was received via Foreflight at XA:51 which showed general VFR conditions for the planned route with winds generally from the south at 10 kts and a destination (ZZZ) weather forecast for good VFR conditions with winds 180/10 kts forecast for planned recovery time period.Flight progressed as planned with winds noted as higher than forecast but still within aircraft demonstrated maximum during a touch and go at ZZZ1 and on approach at ZZZ2. Initial ATIS at ZZZ was Juliet updated to Kilo calling winds at 170 at 9G16 kts which I realized to be at/near aircraft demonstrated maximum. A subsequent winds call for ZZZ Tower reported a wind gust to 20kts. I was aware of the magnitude of winds (steady and gusts) and have had successful landings at near demonstrated conditions so felt prepared; briefing myself to go around if uncomfortable with the turbulence; airspeed control and/or crab angle on approach and at touchdown. Initial part of final approach showed significant crab angle which decreased as I descended below the higher terrain ridge-line to the south with expected but not excessive turbulence. A wing down top rudder approach was flown though control inputs were small at flare and at/near wings level touchdown just right of runway centerline. No significant drift was noted. As nose wheel was settling onto runway an abrupt upset caused the aircraft to roll significantly to right and pitch forward (heave) into a momentary wheelbarrow attitude which was immediately countered with aileron and rudder. The airplane settled down immediately and the rest of rollout was nominal for a crosswind condition. No unusual noises were heard and there were no unusual engine sound or RPM indications. Post-flight revealed that both prop tips had scraped the concrete surface. No significant bending of prop tips noted and there was not engine stoppage. No other contact marks exist on the airframe or wingtip.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.