On July 26, 1998, a Beech C23 (registration N18961) was involved in an aviation accident near Avalon, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain an adequate airspeed during the landing, which resulted in a stall/mush and hard landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a landing gear collapse after the nose dropped on final approach for runway 22 in gusty crosswinds. The aircraft veered off the runway; no mechanical malfunction was reported.
Incident Overview
The pilot was on final approach for runway 22 with flaps set to 15 degrees and an airspeed of 70-75 knots. The intended landing point was approximately 200 feet beyond the runway numbers.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft approached the runway numbers, the nose suddenly stopped and began to drop. Before the pilot could apply power, the aircraft contacted the runway. Upon touchdown, the left main landing gear and nose wheel collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off to the left side of the runway.
Environmental Conditions
The wind was from 270 degrees at 12-15 knots, creating a crosswind component for the approach and landing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft prior to the accident.