Hard Landing Causes Gear Collapse on Visual Approach

Casualties unknown • Denton, TX, US

A light aircraft sustained substantial damage after a hard landing during a visual approach in clear weather, resulting in collapsed landing gear.

What happened

The accident occurred during the final phase of flight as the pilot executed a visual approach to the airport. Approaching from the east, the pilot noted that the weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and calm winds present at the time.

During the landing flare, the aircraft descended too rapidly. The pilot recognized that the sink rate was excessive just before touchdown and attempted to correct the situation by applying power. Despite this effort, the airplane impacted the runway surface hard. The impact forces caused the left main landing gear and the nose landing gear to collapse.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-02-07 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Denton, TX?

A light aircraft sustained substantial damage after a hard landing during a visual approach in clear weather, resulting in collapsed landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-02-07 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N112WS, at Denton, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during the flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.

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.

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