Incident Overview
While conducting a local flight, the pilot of a Beech 23, registration N2379L, performed a series of touch-and-go landings. During the final landing, the pilot heard another aircraft reporting that they were also in the landing pattern. In consideration of the other aircraft, the pilot decided to land long in order to be close to a taxiway.
Landing and Sequence of Events
The pilot made a flat touchdown. At that moment, a 'crack' was heard. The pilot then pulled back on the yoke, causing the aircraft to porpoise before settling back to the runway. Subsequently, the nose gear collapsed, and the aircraft skidded off the side of the runway.
Post-Event Actions
A fire erupted from the wheel well, which was promptly extinguished by a hand-held fire extinguisher.
Cause Determination
The cause of the nose gear failure was not determined.