NTSB Factual Report

On July 21, 2006, at 1945 Pacific daylight time a Cessna T210N, N6686N, was substantially damaged when it landed hard on runway 19 at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport, Truckee, California. The private pilot and five passengers were not injured. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the cross-country flight, which originated from Concord, California, at 1830.

During a telephone interview with the pilot, he stated that their flight was approaching for landing with weather conditions described as light rain, no wind, and thunderstorms in the distance. The pilot's flight was number two for landing and the previous airplane reported encountering no problems during landing. While on short final, his flight encountered wind shear, which resulted in a decreased airspeed and an excessive descent rate. The pilot applied power, but the airplane struck the runway and porpoised 3 to 4 times before the nose landing gear collapsed and separated, damaging the structural members in the nose area.

At 1949, the weather observation facility at the Truckee-Tahoe Airport reported the following information: winds from 240 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear sky; temperature 20 degrees Celsius; dew point 01 degrees Celsius; and an altimeter setting of 30.23 inches of mercury.

The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane or engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing wind conditions and failure to maintain an adequate airspeed.