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Casualties unknown

Nose-over following hard landing during short-field approach (N8789Z)

Limerick, ME, US

On July 23, 1985, a Cessna P206D (registration N8789Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Limerick, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the short-field approach, which resulted in a sudden increase in sink rate and a hard landing that led to a bounce and subsequent nose-over. 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 experienced a sudden increase in sink rate over tree line during short-field approach, resulting in a hard bounce and subsequent nose-over after the propeller struck the ground.

What happened

During a short-field approach procedure, the aircraft encountered a significant change in aerodynamic conditions as it passed over the tree line. At this point, the sink rate increased suddenly, requiring immediate pilot intervention. The pilot responded by applying full power and increasing the pitch attitude to arrest the descent.

Despite these corrective actions, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced off the runway surface. A second touchdown was attempted to regain control. As the nosewheel was lowered onto the runway, the propeller struck the ground. The nosewheel strut dug into the gravel runway surface, causing the aircraft to nosed over forward.

The investigation

The physical evidence indicated that the initial hard landing and subsequent bounce were the primary factors leading to the final damage. The impact of the propeller with the ground upon the second touchdown was a direct result of the nosewheel being lowered prematurely or insufficiently arrested descent rate.

Findings

  • Sudden increase in sink rate over tree line during short-field approach
  • Hard landing followed by bounce
  • Propeller strike upon second touchdown
  • Nosewheel strut digging into gravel runway leading to nosed-over position

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the short-field approach, which resulted in a sudden increase in sink rate and a hard landing that led to a bounce and subsequent nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1985 Cessna P206D accident near Limerick, ME?

Aircraft experienced a sudden increase in sink rate over tree line during short-field approach, resulting in a hard bounce and subsequent nose-over after the propeller struck the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna P206D, registration N8789Z, at Limerick, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the short-field approach, which resulted in a sudden increase in sink rate and a hard landing that led to a bounce and subsequent nose-over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37277. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.