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Nose Landing Gear Collapses After Hard Touchdown During Visual Approach (N950RM)

Mena, AR, US

On June 2, 2006, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N950RM) was involved in an aviation accident near Mena, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing and his improper recovery procedures for a bounced landing. 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 a visual approach to runway 35, the private pilot experienced a hard nose wheel landing causing a bounce. Upon settling, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane veered left. An FAA inspector noted two hard landings led to gear failure.

Event Description

The 7,600-hour private pilot was executing a visual approach to runway 35 and confirmed the landing gear was extended. After touching down on the 5,000-foot long, 75-foot wide asphalt runway, the pilot noticed a lower than usual nose attitude. He applied aft pressure on the yoke, which caused the airplane to become airborne. The pilot reported that upon settling back onto the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed and the airplane veered to the left.

Examination

An FAA inspector examined the twin-engine airplane and stated that the pilot made a hard nose wheel landing, which caused the airplane to bounce back into the air. The inspector added that on another hard landing, the nose wheel blew out and the left main gear collapsed. The pilot had accumulated approximately 300 hours in the same make and model of aircraft. The wind at the time was reported as light and variable.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jun 2006 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Mena, AR?

During a visual approach to runway 35, the private pilot experienced a hard nose wheel landing causing a bounce. Upon settling, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane veered left. An FAA inspector noted two hard landings led to gear failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jun 2006 Piper PA-23-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N950RM, at Mena, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper landing flare resulting in a hard landing and his improper recovery procedures for a bounced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060719X00965. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.