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Nose Gear Collapse During Landing After Power Line Clearance (N5796V)

Hertford, NC, US

On August 31, 1989, a Beech A23-19 (registration N5796V) operated by Davis, Richard L. was involved in an aviation accident near Hertford, NC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot initially touched down on the nose gear, overloading it and causing it to collapse, which then led to the main gear collapsing as the airplane swerved. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on a 2,000-ft private strip, the airplane touched down on the nose gear, causing it to overload and collapse. The subsequent swerve collapsed the main gear.

Incident Details

A pilot reported an accident during landing on a private airstrip. The runway was 2,000 ft long and had power lines at each end. The pilot aimed to land immediately after clearing the wires at the approach end to maximize available runway for roll-out and avoid overrunning the far end.

Pilot's Statement

According to the pilot, the airplane initially touched down on the nose gear. This overloaded the nose gear, leading to its collapse. After the nose gear collapsed, the airplane swerved, which caused the main landing gear to collapse as well.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was attempting to land on the private strip. Upon touchdown, the nose gear failed due to overload. The collapse of the nose gear triggered a swerve, which then led to the collapse of the main gear. No further details were provided about the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or damage extent.

Probable cause

The pilot initially touched down on the nose gear, overloading it and causing it to collapse, which then led to the main gear collapsing as the airplane swerved.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1989 Beech A23-19 accident near Hertford, NC?

A pilot reported that during landing on a 2,000-ft private strip, the airplane touched down on the nose gear, causing it to overload and collapse. The subsequent swerve collapsed the main gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Aug 1989 Beech A23-19 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1989 involved a Beech A23-19, registration N5796V, operated by Davis, Richard L., at Hertford, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot initially touched down on the nose gear, overloading it and causing it to collapse, which then led to the main gear collapsing as the airplane swerved.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29041. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.