No fatalities

Hard Landing Leads to Nose Gear Failure on Private Aircraft

Pagosa Springs, CO, United States

On October 14, 2010, a BEECH A36 operated by ERIC W LAGER was involved in an aviation accident near Pagosa Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot experienced a hard landing and porpoising during final approach, resulting in a fractured nose-gear fork and propeller strike. The aircraft sustained substantial damage but no injuries occurred.

Event Overview

A private pilot was performing a landing on an 8,100-foot long hard surface runway under dry conditions with clear skies and calm wind. During the final approach, the pilot reported allowing the airplane to develop a high sink rate, which he did not correct. The airplane subsequently hit the runway and porpoised twice. The nose-gear fork then fractured and separated, and the propeller struck the runway surface.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft received substantial damage to the forward fuselage and nose-gear. The extent of damage was limited to these areas.

Occupant Status

The pilot and passenger were not injured in the event.

Context

The landing was conducted on a long, hard surface runway with favorable weather conditions, including dry conditions, clear skies, and calm wind.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 2010 BEECH A36 accident near Pagosa Springs, CO?

A private pilot experienced a hard landing and porpoising during final approach, resulting in a fractured nose-gear fork and propeller strike. The aircraft sustained substantial damage but no injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Oct 2010 BEECH A36 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 2010 involved a BEECH A36, operated by ERIC W LAGER, at Pagosa Springs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.