Aircraft nose gear collapse during short field approach

Casualties unknown • Healdsburg, CA, US

A pilot experienced a nose gear collapse after landing short of the runway following an encounter with wind shear during a short field approach.

What happened

The pilot was performing a short field approach when he increased his airspeed above the recommended approach speed in response to blowing winds. While on short final, the pilot encountered what he described as wind shear. In an attempt to correct the situation, the pilot applied power and increased back pressure; however, these actions were insufficient to prevent the aircraft from landing short of the runway.

Upon touchdown, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide to a stop. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

Findings

A designated pilot examiner provided information regarding the pilot's recent flight history, noting that the pilot had failed his initial commercial flight test six days prior to this event. During that previous examination, the pilot had performed a short field approach that was characterized as being too high and too fast, resulting in a landing that was too long to meet required standards.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the recommended approach speed and the encounter with wind shear led to an undershot landing, which caused the nose gear to collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-21 Piper PA-24-260 accident near Healdsburg, CA?

A pilot experienced a nose gear collapse after landing short of the runway following an encounter with wind shear during a short field approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-21 involved a Piper PA-24-260, registration N8805P, at Healdsburg, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain the recommended approach speed and the encounter with wind shear led to an undershot landing, which caused the nose gear to collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09338. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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