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Casualties unknown

Nose gear collapse after hard bounce during practice landing (N3551R)

Reedley, CA, US

On November 18, 1989, a Beech A23 (registration N3551R) was involved in an aviation accident near Reedley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare, resulting in a hard bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft bounced multiple times on final approach during a practice landing, leading to nose gear failure and a collision with a hangar.

What happened

The pilot initiated operations from runway 33 with the specific objective of conducting practice takeoffs and landings. During the third attempt at a landing, the aircraft experienced a hard bounce upon touchdown. This initial impact caused the aircraft to balloon upward before descending again for two additional bounces.

Following the final bounce, the nose gear collapsed under the stress. The loss of structural support in the front landing gear caused the aircraft to veer off the paved surface of the runway. The uncontrolled ground movement continued until the airframe collided with a nearby hangar structure.

The investigation

Examination of the accident site and the wreckage revealed that the primary mechanical failure was the collapse of the nose landing gear. The sequence of events indicated that repeated high-load impacts from bouncing significantly exceeded the design limits of the landing gear system, leading to its immediate failure.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare, resulting in a hard bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Nov 1989 Beech A23 accident near Reedley, CA?

Aircraft bounced multiple times on final approach during a practice landing, leading to nose gear failure and a collision with a hangar.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Nov 1989 involved a Beech A23, registration N3551R, at Reedley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing flare, resulting in a hard bounce and subsequent nose gear collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29826. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.