On May 16, 1992, a Beech C23 (registration N6167Z) operated by Leinberger, Steven A. was involved in an aviation accident near Saginaw, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing phase, which resulted in a nose-gear collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airline transport pilot practicing an instrument approach experienced a porpoising bounce on touchdown. Control was transferred to the owner who attempted a go-around, but the aircraft struck the runway nose-first.
What happened
The flight involved a practice instrument approach conducted for a touch-and-go landing. Upon initial touchdown, the airplane bounced and began to porpoise along the runway surface. The airline transport pilot relinquished control of the aircraft to the owner seated in the right seat. In response to the unstable situation, the owner applied full throttle in an attempt to abort the landing and execute a go-around.
Despite the application of power, the airplane continued its descent and struck the runway with a second touchdown, this time nose-first. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose gear. No further details regarding injuries or specific weather conditions were provided in the source record.
The investigation
The available source text does not contain specific findings from a mechanical examination or inspection of the aircraft components beyond the description of the collision and resulting structural damage.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing phase, which resulted in a nose-gear collapse.