Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN11CA031

Pagosa Springs, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N4979M

BEECH A36

Analysis

During the final approach to the runway, the pilot stated that he allowed the airplane to develop a high sink rate which he did not correct. The airplane touched down on the runway and bounced airborne twice. The nose gear fork then fractured and separated and the propeller struck the runway surface. The airplane received substantial damage to the forward fuselage.

Factual Information

The private pilot was landing on a 8,100 foot long hard surface runway in dry conditions with clear skies and calm wind. During the final approach to the runway, the pilot stated that he allowed the airplane to develop a high sink rate which he did not correct. The airplane “hit the runway and porpoised twice”. The nose-gear fork then fractured and separated, and the propeller struck the runway surface. The airplane received substantial damage to the forward fuselage and nose-gear. The pilot and passenger were not injured.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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