Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's unstabilized approach during the initial landing with a right quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent go-around and the collapse of the nose landing gear during the subsequent landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that rain showers were present in the vicinity of his destination airport, so he diverted and landed at a nearby airport. During the approach, the pilot felt the airplane was being pushed forward and saw an increase in indicated airspeed and nose down attitude. He continued the approach and upon touchdown, the airplane landed hard on the nosewheel first and after a subsequent bounce, he initiated a go-around. He then re-entered the pattern, approached the same runway and upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed, and airplane exited the runway to the left into a ditch.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear tunnel.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes prior to the accident, the wind was from 100° at 7 knots. The airplane landed on runway 32.
The pilot added that he believed the airplane's nose landing gear was damage during the initial landing. He further stated that, after landing, the windsock was discovered to be damaged, and not indicating wind direction properly. However, the airport's AWOS was accessible by aircraft radio.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA449