Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Other AGI
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 9.1; Flight Crew Total 283.1; Flight Crew Type 13.1
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Human Factors
The aircraft was on a normal approach to land at ZZZ RWY XX. During the final approach; the aircraft was within standards: the airspeed and glide path were stable; and the aircraft was aligned with the runway's extended centerline. Idle power was set about 20ft AGL causing the plane to touch down firmly on the main landing gears. This was followed by a slight bounce which caused the aircraft to lift approx 3ft off the ground. Following the bounce; I maintained aft elevator/yoke pressure to prevent the nose gear from impacting the ground first. The main landing gears then contacted the ground smoothly after this correction. As the airspeed decreased and the nose contacted the runway; I immediately felt a strong vibration from the nose followed by the nose continuing to fall to an abnormally nose-low attitude where I could see the runway directly. Seeing this happen; I immediately shut down the engine. Once the aircraft came to rest; I secured the rest of the cockpit. After exiting the plane; I was informed by the airport operations staff that they had retrieved the nose gear from somewhere on the runway (they did not specify where they found it). ZZZ Tower then closed the runway and airport for operations until both the runway and aircraft were secured. I do not believe any human performance considerations negatively affected this incident. As the events unfolded; I performed to the best of my ability to ensure that I was safe while also ensuring that the aircraft was not damaged further. while this incident ended safely; it has definitely inspired me to further my proficiency. I will focus on modules that will improve my knowledge on maintaining stabilized approaches; ADM; and preventing and recovering from bounced landings. As a flight instructor; I hope to use this experience as a lesson to any future students.
Flight Instructor had a bounced landing and while attempting to land the aircraft again; the nose impacted the runway. Postflight; the pilot learned the nose gear had separated during landing and airport operations had retrieved it from the runway.