On 25 Nov 2018, a Beech C23 was involved in an aviation accident near Porterville, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal landing and subsequent porpoise. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing flare, the airplane touched down on main gear, ballooned, then porpoised. The nose wheel collapsed and the airplane came to rest nose down on the runway. Substantial damage to engine mount.
Event Description
According to the pilot's report, during the landing flare the airplane touched down on its main landing gear. The airplane then ballooned a few feet off the ground. Subsequently, the airplane porpoised, which resulted in the collapse of the nose wheel. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude on the runway.
Damage
The accident caused substantial damage to the engine mount of the airplane. No other damage details were provided in the report.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Related events
Same aircraft family
12 Feb 2026 — BEECH C23 (PORTAL PLANES LLC)
15 Oct 2025 — BEECH C23 (Unusual Attitudes Flying Club)