Nose Landing Gear Collapse During Landing at Alternate Airport

Casualties unknown • Atlanta, GA, US

A pilot experienced a nose landing gear collapse following a hard touchdown and subsequent porpoising during an approach to an alternate airport.

What happened

While operating in adverse weather conditions, the pilot was established in the traffic pattern for landing on runway 26 at an alternate airport. The pilot reported receiving ATIS information 'India.' At the time of the approach, winds were recorded from 280 degrees at 11 knots with gusts reaching 18 knots. Air traffic control advised the pilot that the wind was from 290 degrees at 12 knots.

As the aircraft approached touchdown, the pilot reported a sudden decrease in airspeed of 10 knots. This resulted in a hard landing on the nose landing gear, which caused the aircraft to begin porpoising. The pilot did not initiate a go-around procedure by applying power. During the second touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to execute a go-around following a hard touchdown and subsequent porpoising during an approach in adverse weather.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-12-25 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Atlanta, GA?

A pilot experienced a nose landing gear collapse following a hard touchdown and subsequent porpoising during an approach to an alternate airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-12-25 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2872D, at Atlanta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to execute a go-around following a hard touchdown and subsequent porpoising during an approach in adverse weather.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13897. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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