Accident Overview
On March 19, 2025, at about 1445 eastern daylight time, a Cessna S550 airplane, registration N627HS, was substantially damaged during a landing accident at Hilton Head Airport (HXD), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The airline transport pilot and a passenger were not injured. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History
According to the pilot, the airplane departed from Conway-Horry County Airport (HWY), Conway, South Carolina. The en route portion of the flight was uneventful. The pilot established the airplane on a stabilized approach to Hilton Head Airport. Upon selecting the landing gear to the down position, the three green gear-safe lights illuminated, indicating the landing gear was down and locked. The approach continued.
Accident Sequence
After touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed as it contacted the runway. The pilot reported feeling a bump and hearing scraping sounds. As the airplane slowed, the pilot turned to exit the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Initial examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the nose landing gear actuator was fractured. The landing gear bay and surrounding structure had been ground down into the airframe, with associated buckling. The nose landing gear actuator was retained for further examination.