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Nose Wheel Collapse After Porpoising During Landing (N2116W)

Manassas, VA, US

On December 29, 1999, a Beech C-23 (registration N2116W) was involved in an aviation accident near Manassas, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate remedial action to recover the airplane from porpoising during the landing roll out. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane porpoised strongly while landing on a 5,700-foot asphalt runway. The pilot attempted to stabilize but the nose wheel collapsed and the propeller struck the ground. No mechanical issues were reported.

Landing and Porpoising

The accident occurred during landing on a 5,700-foot long, 100-foot wide asphalt runway. The airplane began to porpoise strongly, prompting the pilot to attempt stabilization. He maintained directional control with the power set to idle, but the oscillations persisted.

Nose Wheel Collapse

During the porpoising, the nose wheel collapsed. As a result, the propeller contacted the runway surface. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane before or during the event.

Pilot Experience

The pilot had purchased the airplane approximately one month prior to the accident. He reported a total of 14 hours of flight experience in the make and model of the accident aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 1999 Beech C-23 accident near Manassas, VA?

An airplane porpoised strongly while landing on a 5,700-foot asphalt runway. The pilot attempted to stabilize but the nose wheel collapsed and the propeller struck the ground. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Dec 1999 Beech C-23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 1999 involved a Beech C-23, registration N2116W, at Manassas, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate remedial action to recover the airplane from porpoising during the landing roll out.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20315. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.