Fast approach leads to hard landing

By NTSB · June 16, 2009 ·

This June 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Beech 65-A90.
Location: Wallkill, N.Y.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The pilot overflew the destination airport. He determined that the winds were calm. The approach was fast and the airplane landed hard. The right main landing gear broke off and the airplane bounced into the air. The airplane veered to the right and came down again. The left main landing gear was sheared off by the impact.

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

About NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation, including railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. It determines the probable causes of accidents and issues safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

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