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Landing Incident: Ground Effect Leads to Runway Overrun and Nose Gear Collapse (N445B)

Block Island, RI, US

On September 1, 1994, a Beech F33A (registration N445B) was involved in an aviation accident near Block Island, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot maintaining excessive airspeed during the landing, resulting in a touchdown on the runway with insufficient distance to stop, and a subsequent intentional ground loop and collision with the terrain. 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

During landing, the aircraft flared and rose due to ground effect, floating down the runway. Touchdown occurred far down, leading to a runway overrun. The pilot applied right brake to avoid a fence, causing nose gear collapse and impact with rough terrain.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that during a landing approach, the aircraft flared and subsequently rose due to ground effect. The airplane then floated down the runway, and touchdown occurred far down the landing surface. After touching down, the airplane exited the end of the runway. To avoid impacting a fence, the pilot applied right brake. This action resulted in the nose gear collapsing, and the airplane impacted rough terrain.

FAA Inspector Observations

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector's report, the aircraft touched down at high speed on the last 268 feet of usable runway. After continuing off the runway at high speed, the pilot executed a hard right turn. The report did not provide additional details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or any injuries.

Outcome

The incident concluded with the nose gear collapse and the aircraft coming to rest in rough terrain. No further information was provided about damage or other consequences.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 1994 Beech F33A accident near Block Island, RI?

During landing, the aircraft flared and rose due to ground effect, floating down the runway. Touchdown occurred far down, leading to a runway overrun. The pilot applied right brake to avoid a fence, causing nose gear collapse and impact with rough terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 1994 involved a Beech F33A, registration N445B, at Block Island, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot maintaining excessive airspeed during the landing, resulting in a touchdown on the runway with insufficient distance to stop, and a subsequent intentional ground loop and collision with the terrain. Also causal was the pilot's failure to abort the landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02332. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.