Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 105.1; Flight Crew Total 2336.7; Flight Crew Type 301.5
Other / Unknown
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; General Maintenance Action
Weather; Human Factors
After having gotten eight hours of sleep; I woke up and began my pre-flight planning. I obtained an initial weather briefing via ForeFlight on my iPad. I filed an IFR flight plan with a scheduled departure time two hours later. En route to the airport via car; I confirmed my initial weather briefing by calling 800-WX-BRIEF. I performed a full pre-flight inspection on the aircraft (per the aircraft checklist) and updated the G1000 approach database. I taxied the aircraft out; making radio calls on CTAF because the Tower hadn't opened yet. In the run-up area I performed the run-up per the aircraft checklist. I then obtained an IFR clearance from Approach. Next I programmed the G1000 routing. I departed at approximately a half hour early and flew the route according to my clearance. About 10 minutes into my flight I was cleared direct to destination. After the hand off to Center; I requested the RNAV (GPS) approach. I was cleared to the IAF and told to report inbound. When I reported inbound I was told 'frequency change approved'. I switched to CTAF and reported 'a 10 mile final on the GPS approach'. The wind was gusty and variable. The windsock indicated change of direction. Because of the gusty winds I kept a higher approach speed than normal and 10 degrees of flaps. On flare; a gust of wind hit me dead-on and raised the nose. I felt a slight touch of the elevator on the pavement and then the gust ceased and the nose slammed down on the ground. The aircraft began a 'pogo-stick' action; continually popping up and slamming down. I believe this happened about 5 times. I pulled the throttle out in an effort to stop the bouncing. When I realized this wasn't fixing the problem; I applied more power; and leveled the aircraft. I then flared again and landed correctly. I shut down the aircraft per the checklist and inspected the damage. There appeared to be a damaged strut and a flat tire. I then attempted to call the FBO and the Tower for assistance. There was no answer but a few minutes later a pickup truck arrived. The linesman surveyed the damage and then left to go retrieve a tow-bar and tractor. He returned about 20 minutes later with the tow-bar and tractor and the two of us carefully pulled the aircraft off the runway and onto the taxiway.
C172 pilot reports a botched landing in early morning darkness with variable gusty winds. Multiple bounces occur resulting in damage to the nose strut and a flat main gear tire.