Accident Overview
On June 26, 2014, at approximately 1645 central daylight time, a Beech BE-95, registration N9411Y, was substantially damaged during a hard landing at Jack Edwards Airport (JKA) in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot's Account
In a telephone interview, the pilot reported no issues with the airplane's performance or handling throughout the flight. After the airplane touched down for the second time and slowed to about 30 knots during the landing roll, he observed a "shimmy" emanating from the nose area. The nose landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane slid on its nose until it came to a stop partially off the side of the runway.
Witness Statements
A witness at the airport's fixed base operator (FBO) provided a written statement. He reported that the airplane touched down on all three landing gear simultaneously, bounced, then landed hard on the nose landing gear, causing it to collapse. The airplane then skidded approximately 400 feet before exiting the side of the runway.
Another witness stated that the airplane's speed appeared "excessive" and that it landed in a flat, "neutral" attitude, bouncing back into the air. At that point, the witness lost sight of the airplane and did not observe the second touchdown.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane multiengine and single engine land. His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued on June 13, 2014. He reported 4,000 total hours of flight experience, with 500 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
Weather Conditions
At 1655, weather conditions at JKA included scattered clouds at 3,200 feet, visibility 10 miles, temperature 30°C, dewpoint 23°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of mercury. Wind was from 230 degrees at 3 knots.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was recovered from the accident site and moved to the FBO. Examination of photographs revealed a separated nose landing gear, a cut and torn front tire, a crushed nose cone, and substantial damage to the fuselage and cabin areas.
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and found no preimpact mechanical anomalies. He stated that the damage was due to overstress consistent with a hard landing.