N6167LCessna 182T · 2004

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.