Piper PA28-180, VH-MOL, Phillip Island, Vic, 9 February 1969

Prior to landing on a strip which is aligned in a southerly direction, the pilot estimated that he would be subject to a cross wind of from 10 to 12 knots from the left. However, he was not aware that the topography adjacent to the strip threshold could considerably influence the ambient wind and, during the landing flare -out, the aircraft encountered a strong wind gust from the left. On touchdown the aircraft commenced to turn to the left and, although the pilot took remedial action, he was unable to maintain directional control. In the latter stages of the landing run, the aircraft swung further into wind and the nose landing gear strut bent.