N53460Cessna 172S · 2003

The pilot reported that during his approach, he made his turn to base too early. His approach glide angle was too high and, "I reduced power but also nosed the plane over in order to descend." The airplane's airspeed increased and the airplane ballooned during the landing flare. The airplane touched down hard, it porpoised on the runway and a propeller strike occurred. He taxied to parking and noticed that substantial damage was sustained to the fire wall.

The pilot stated he was conducting touch and go landings. The surface winds, located 31 miles from the accident site were 270 degrees at 9 knots gusting to 20 knots. The pilot made an approach to runway 01. He estimated the winds at “270 degrees, at 13 miles gusting to 25 miles”. As the main landing gear touched down, a gust of wind lifted the airplane back into the air, about 8 feet above ground level. The airplane collided hard with the runway on the nose and main landing gear before the pilot could add power. The pilot returned to his departure airport without further incident. Examination of the airplane revealed it had sustained damage to the propeller and engine firewall. The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.