On February 18, 2002, a Beech B36TC (registration N6444C) was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported a high and fast approach that resulted in an excessive flare, causing the aircraft to strike the runway hard with its nose gear before bouncing back into the air.
What happened
The pilot described the final phase of flight as involving a landing approach that was both faster than desired and higher than optimal. In an effort to correct this trajectory, the pilot retarded the throttle and initiated a flare maneuver. However, the flare was executed too high above the runway surface.
Consequently, the airplane impacted the runway with significant force using its nose landing gear. The impact caused the aircraft to bounce upward. Upon the second touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed. Following this structural failure, the airplane skidded off the left side of the runway before coming to a complete stop.
Probable cause
The pilot's improper flare during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Feb 2002 Beech B36TC accident near Englewood, CO?
The pilot reported a high and fast approach that resulted in an excessive flare, causing the aircraft to strike the runway hard with its nose gear before bouncing back into the air.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Feb 2002 involved a Beech B36TC, registration N6444C, at Englewood, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper flare during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear.
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