Event
The accident occurred as the airplane approached for landing on runway 25. The first pilot, seated in the right seat and interested in purchasing a half-interest in the aircraft, was manipulating the controls. The second pilot, the owner, occupied the left seat.
About 4 feet above the runway, the nose of the airplane suddenly dropped. The nose landing gear struck the runway hard and collapsed, causing the airplane to slide to a stop. Both pilots escaped from the airplane, which was subsequently consumed by a postcrash fire.
Pilot Statements
In a written statement to the NTSB, the first pilot noted that while seated on the right side, the airspeed indicator—positioned on the far left side of the instrument panel—was difficult to read. Both pilots stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Post-Accident
The aircraft was destroyed by fire after the landing gear collapse. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided.