Casualties unknown

Hard Landing Results in Landing Gear Collapse (N112WS)

Denton, TX, US

On February 7, 1999, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N112WS) was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The hard landing as a result of the pilot's failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the landing flare. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, the pilot applied power after realizing excessive sink rate but the airplane contacted the runway hard, causing the left main and nose landing gear to collapse. Weather was clear with calm winds.

Occurrence

The pilot was conducting a visual approach from the east. During the landing flare, the airplane contacted the runway with significant force. The pilot reported that just before touchdown, he recognized the aircraft was sinking too rapidly and added power. Despite this action, the airplane struck the runway, resulting in the collapse of the left main landing gear and the nose landing gear.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, weather conditions were clear skies and calm winds. No other information regarding the approach or landing was provided by the pilot in the immediate statement.

Damage

The landing gear collapse involved the left main landing gear and the nose landing gear. The extent of additional damage to the airframe was not specified in the available report.

Investigation Notes

The investigation focused on the sequence of events as described by the pilot. No further factors or causal determinations were included in the initial source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00158. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.