Incident Overview
A pilot on a half-mile final approach to land observed another airplane taxi onto the runway. The accident pilot communicated to the pilot of the other airplane that there was insufficient time for a takeoff and that he intended to perform a go-around. The pilot in the airplane on the runway began his takeoff roll, and the accident pilot elected to land on the runway behind the airplane commencing its takeoff roll. After touchdown, the accident airplane porpoised, causing the nose landing gear to collapse.
Sequence of Events
The accident pilot was on a half-mile final approach when he noticed a second airplane taxi onto the runway. He advised the other pilot that there was not enough time to take off and that he would execute a go-around. Despite this communication, the other pilot initiated a takeoff roll. Instead of following through with the go-around, the accident pilot chose to land on the same runway behind the departing airplane. Upon touchdown, the airplane porpoised, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
Investigation Findings
No probable cause was stated in the source. The facts indicate that the accident pilot was aware of the conflicting traffic and had initially planned a go-around but changed his decision. The other aircraft's pilot began a takeoff roll after being advised that a go-around was imminent. The outcome was a porpoise event leading to structural failure of the nose landing gear.