Nose Gear Collapse Leads to Inverted Rest After Short Landing

Casualties unknown • Cle Elum, WA, US

A pilot landing short of the runway due to being low on the glide path experienced a nose gear collapse, causing the aircraft to flip over and come to rest inverted after traveling an additional 300 feet.

What happened

The pilot was conducting an approach to landing when he observed that the aircraft was positioned below the desired glide path. In an attempt to correct the descent rate and maintain altitude, the pilot applied additional engine power. Despite this adjustment, the aircraft touched down approximately 15 feet short of the runway threshold.

Upon impact with the ground before reaching the paved surface, the nose landing gear collapsed under the stress of the hard touchdown. The aircraft continued its forward momentum along the ground for an additional distance of roughly 300 feet. During this rollout, the airplane encountered a gravel area adjacent to the runway environment. This interaction with the uneven terrain caused the aircraft to flip over completely.

The accident concluded with the airplane coming to rest in an inverted position on its back. No further details regarding injuries or specific weather conditions were provided in the source narrative.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper glide path during approach, which resulted in a landing short of the runway and subsequent nose gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-09-29 Piper PA-22 accident near Cle Elum, WA?

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-09-29 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N2291A, at Cle Elum, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper glide path during approach, which resulted in a landing short of the runway and subsequent nose gear collapse.

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