NTSB Factual Report

The pilot said he made three prior attempts to land but aborted each landing due to the gusty crosswind conditions. On the fourth attempt, the airplane "ballooned" during the landing flare and encountered a strong wind gust. The pilot was unable to maintain control and the airplane landed hard on the nose wheel. A review of photographs taken of the airplane immediately after the accident revealed that the nose wheel was pushed up and into the cockpit, which substantially damaged the firewall.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in gusty crosswind conditions.