N2176T

On July 16, 2000, about 1820 Eastern Daylight Time, a Piper PA-28-180, N2176T, was substantially damaged while landing at Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD), Norwood, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan had been filed for the flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he departed OWD earlier in the day and flew to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he conducted two landings, and then flew toward Cape Cod, Massachusetts. However, due to deteriorating weather, he elected to return to OWD.

The weather conditions at OWD were clear, with the wind from 050 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot felt that his traffic pattern was good, and he used 85 mph on final approach for runway 10. He further stated:

"...After crossing the threshold for RW 10, touchdown occurred on both main tires. After touchdown the aircraft bounced and slight power was applied to smooth 2nd touchdown. Aircraft entered a 'nose-down' attitude and 'porpoising' occurred. Nosegear struck the runway and was forced up into the engine cowling. Airplane came to a stop on the runway."

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the airplane and reported the nose landing gear collapsed rearward and penetrated the fuselage. In addition the propeller blades were bent rearward.

According to FAA records, the pilot received his private pilot certificate on December 8, 1999. The pilot reported that he was part owner in the airplane and they had purchased the airplane in January 2000.

The pilot reported his total flight experience as 92 hours, with 36 hours in make and model. He had flown 24 hours in the preceding 90 days.