On April 16, 2000, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N238DM) was involved in an aviation accident near Immokalee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent nose-over on soft ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft touched down hard short of the runway, causing a nose-over on soft ground. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the incident.
What happened
The pilot was conducting the final approach to the airport when the accident occurred. According to the pilot's account, the aircraft descended rapidly approximately 25 to 50 feet above the ground. The landing gear impacted the surface roughly 6 feet short of the runway threshold.
The impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose. The pilot noted that the ground conditions were soft, which likely contributed to the severity of the nose-over. An FAA inspector's statement confirmed that the pilot did not report any mechanical problems prior to the event.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the aircraft revealed significant damage consistent with a nose-over impact. The soft ground conditions at the landing site were noted as a contributing factor to the pitch-up attitude following touchdown short of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent nose-over on soft ground.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Apr 2000 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Immokalee, FL?
Aircraft touched down hard short of the runway, causing a nose-over on soft ground. The pilot reported no mechanical issues prior to the incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Apr 2000 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N238DM, at Immokalee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, resulting in a hard landing and subsequent nose-over on soft ground.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…