Summary
On Saturday, October 26, 2013, at around 18:27, a privately owned Beechcraft A36, registration JA4159, sustained substantial damage while landing at Matsuyama Airport. The aircraft had departed Kikai Airport at approximately 15:44 for a cross-country flight. The sole occupant, the captain, was not injured, and there was no fire.
Flight History
The flight proceeded under visual flight rules (VFR). The captain, who regularly flew cross-country routes, had planned a day trip to Kikai Airport. After departing Matsuyama Airport at 10:00 and arriving at Kikai at 12:28, he spent about three hours on the island before preparing for the return flight. The aircraft flew over Tanegashima and Miyazaki before approaching Matsuyama Airport as night fell.
At around 18:22, the captain contacted Matsuyama Tower and reported passing the South Point. He was instructed to report on right downwind for Runway 14. The tower advised of a preceding aircraft on final. The captain initially struggled to locate the aircraft but eventually confirmed visual contact. At 18:25, landing clearance was issued with wind 040° at 9 knots. The captain acknowledged.
At 18:27, the aircraft landed. Shortly after, the captain reported difficulties, and the tower asked if he could hear. The captain replied affirmatively but then reported the engine had stopped. Towing was arranged. The runway was closed.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the airframe, including the nose gear. There was no fire.
Probable Cause
The Japan Transport Safety Board determined that the accident occurred when the aircraft, during a night landing, touched down hard on the runway with the nose gear first, without maintaining a pitch-up attitude. The captain's maneuver to raise the nose was too lagged just before touchdown. This lag was probable because the captain misjudged the aircraft's height above the runway. Additionally, the captain could not check the airspeed before flaring, as the instrument lights were not illuminated. The faulty instrument lights also contributed to the delayed nose-raising maneuver.