Casualties unknown

1987-03-15: Beech A23 (N8883M) — James Corwin — Palatka, FL

Palatka, FL, US

On March 15, 1987, a Beech A23 (registration N8883M) operated by James Corwin was involved in an aviation accident near Palatka, FL. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A downwind landing prompted by traffic and UNICOM instructions resulted in nose gear collapse during rollout, with the aircraft nosing over. A mechanic reported seeing four bounces before the gear failed.

Incident Overview

A pilot executed a downwind landing after receiving instructions from a UNICOM operator and due to traffic considerations. The landing was described as fast but not hard, with the stall warning sounding during rollout. Following the collapse of the nose wheel, the aircraft gently nosed over and came to rest at the side of the runway.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that the downwind landing was necessitated by traffic and direction from the UNICOM operator. The approach was faster than normal due to the downwind condition, but the pilot characterized the touchdown as not hard. During the rollout, the nose wheel collapsed while the stall warning was blowing. The aircraft then gently nosed over and stopped off the runway.

Mechanic Observation

A mechanic at the airport reported observing the aircraft land downwind and bounce approximately four times before the nose gear collapsed. The mechanic's account differs from the pilot's description of the landing, noting multiple bounces prior to the gear failure.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage to the nose gear and likely other components as a result of the collapse and nosing over. No other details about injuries or further damage were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30506. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.