NTSB Factual Report

The airplane was substantially damaged during a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion. The pilot reported that winds at the intended destination were from 100 degrees, gusting to 15 knots. He setup for landing on runway 2 (3500 feet by 75 feet, concrete). He noted that the approach was "normal." The pilot stated: "At approximately 1 foot above the runway I experienced a strong gust which caused the aircraft to hit hard onto the runway. At that time the aircraft began to porpoise. I then added power. Apparently the nose wheel sustained damage which caused the aircraft to veer off to the left of the runway." The nose and left main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The pilot noted that there were no malfunctions associated with the aircraft prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, inadequate landing flare, failure to maintain directional control, and encounter with a pilot-induced oscillation (porpoise. A contributing factor was the wind gust.