Pilot Debrief

BEECH 95 55 near Gulf Shores, AL — 2014-06-26

Final reportERA14LA324
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Date
2014-06-26
Location
Gulf Shores, AL, USA
Airport
JKA
Aircraft
BEECH 95 55
Registration
N9411Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane's performance and handling throughout the flight. He further stated that, after the airplane had touched down for the second time (witnesses reported that the airplane bounced after landing) and had slowed to about 30 knots during the landing roll, he felt a "shimmy" coming from the airplane's nose area. The nose landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane slid on its nose until it stopped partially off the side of the runway. The airframe sustained substantial damage. According to one witness, the airplane's approach speed was "excessive," and the airplane landed in a flat attitude and then bounced. Another witness stated that the airplane touched down on all three landing gear, bounced, and then touched down a second time on the nose landing gear. Examination of the wreckage revealed overstress damage consistent with a hard landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have executed a go-around after the first hard landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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