On June 14, 1983, a Beech A23-24 (registration N7927L) was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and nose gear collapse, due to inexperience with the aircraft model at night and high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot unfamiliar with landing a specific aircraft model on a dark night at a high density altitude airport reported that the approach was too fast. The aircraft landed hard and the nose gear collapsed.
What happened
The cross-country flight occurred later than the pilot had originally intended, resulting in an arrival during nighttime conditions. The pilot had never previously landed this specific model of aircraft on a dark night at an airport characterized by high density altitude. According to the pilot's report, the situation progressed significantly faster than he was accustomed to handling. By the time the runway became visible, it was too late to execute a proper flare. The aircraft impacted the ground with excessive force, causing the nose gear to collapse.
The investigation
No mechanical examination details were provided in the source text.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident included the pilot's lack of experience landing this specific aircraft model under night conditions at a high density altitude airport. The pilot reported that the rate of closure and approach speed exceeded his accustomed pace, leaving insufficient time to flare before touchdown.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and nose gear collapse, due to inexperience with the aircraft model at night and high density altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 14 Jun 1983 Beech A23-24 accident near Prescott, AZ?
A pilot unfamiliar with landing a specific aircraft model on a dark night at a high density altitude airport reported that the approach was too fast. The aircraft landed hard and the nose gear collapsed.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1983 involved a Beech A23-24, registration N7927L, at Prescott, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and nose gear collapse, due to inexperience with the aircraft model at night and high density altitude.
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