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Casualties unknown

Nose gear collapse during landing (N17818)

West Palm Beach, FL, US

On March 13, 1982, a Beech F33A (registration N17818) operated by Hgd Aircraft Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to pull back on the yoke after the initial bounce, which led to the collapse of the nose gear upon reapplication of downward pressure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft bounced on touchdown, causing nose gear to collapse. Pilot pulled back on controls, then lowered nose again, resulting in total failure of the nose landing gear assembly.

What happened

Personnel on duty at the control tower observed the aircraft bounce during its landing phase. Witnesses noted that the nose gear appeared to collapse upon the final touchdown. The pilot reported feeling a vibration when the nose gear initially contacted the runway. In response, he pulled back on the yoke to relieve pressure on the nose gear. When he lowered the nose again, the nose gear failed completely.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the nose landing gear system following the observed bounce and subsequent collapse during the final approach and touchdown phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to pull back on the yoke after the initial bounce, which led to the collapse of the nose gear upon reapplication of downward pressure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 1982 Beech F33A accident near West Palm Beach, FL?

Aircraft bounced on touchdown, causing nose gear to collapse. Pilot pulled back on controls, then lowered nose again, resulting in total failure of the nose landing gear assembly.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 1982 involved a Beech F33A, registration N17818, operated by Hgd Aircraft Inc., at West Palm Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to pull back on the yoke after the initial bounce, which led to the collapse of the nose gear upon reapplication of downward pressure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02364. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.