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Nose Landing Gear Collapses During Landing Practice (N3545R)

Monroe, MI, US

On July 4, 2002, a Beech A-23-23 (registration N3545R) was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature flare during landing, which resulted in a bounce and subsequent nose landing gear collapse when the nosewheel contacted terrain. 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

During landing practice, a pilot flared too soon, causing a bounce. The airplane veered off the runway, and the nosewheel dug into terrain, collapsing the nose landing gear.

Incident Description

A pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings when, on the fourth landing, the nose landing gear collapsed. According to the pilot, the aircraft bounced after flaring too soon during the touchdown. The airplane then veered to the right side of the runway and exited the paved surface.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he "must have flared too soon causing the airplane to bounce at touchdown." After the bounce, the airplane went off the right side of the runway. The pilot stated that the nosewheel subsequently "dug into the terrain causing it to collapse and the airplane to go nose down."

Damage

The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained damage as a result of the collapse and nose-down attitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's premature flare during landing, which resulted in a bounce and subsequent nose landing gear collapse when the nosewheel contacted terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 2002 Beech A-23-23 accident near Monroe, MI?

During landing practice, a pilot flared too soon, causing a bounce. The airplane veered off the runway, and the nosewheel dug into terrain, collapsing the nose landing gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Jul 2002 Beech A-23-23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 2002 involved a Beech A-23-23, registration N3545R, at Monroe, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's premature flare during landing, which resulted in a bounce and subsequent nose landing gear collapse when the nosewheel contacted terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020716X01137. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.