Nose gear collapse during student pilot training

Casualties unknown • Belmar, NJ, US

A student pilot experienced a nose gear collapse following a bounced landing during pattern work, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway into sand.

What happened

A student pilot was conducting flight training maneuvers within the airport traffic pattern. The pilot completed three successful takeoffs and landings, bringing the aircraft to a full stop after each circuit.

During the fourth approach to runway 32, the aircraft landed on its nose wheel, which caused the plane to bounce back into the air. Upon the second touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. Following the collapse, the pilot steered the airplane off the left side of the runway and into a sandy area, which caused additional damage to the aircraft. The pilot was not injured during the incident.

Findings

The pilot involved in the accident had accumulated approximately 54 hours of total flight experience. Of that time, 46 hours were logged in this specific make and model. The pilot's total solo experience amounted to 3.5 hours, all of which were performed in the same aircraft type; notably, only one hour of that solo time included the flight in which the accident occurred.

Probable cause

The nose gear collapsed following a bounced landing during the fourth approach to the runway.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-16 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Belmar, NJ?

A student pilot experienced a nose gear collapse following a bounced landing during pattern work, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway into sand.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-16 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N321HP, at Belmar, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The nose gear collapsed following a bounced landing during the fourth approach to the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07816. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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