Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and collapse of the nose landing gear.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 9, 2003, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Beech BE-55, N7202R, was substantially damaged while landing at Stroudsburg-Pocono Airport (N53), East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the airplane was not operating on a flight plan. The personal flight, which originated at Sullivan County International Airport (MSV), Monticello, New York, was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, the airplane ballooned during the landing flare. The pilot then applied a nose down correction and subsequently landed hard on the nose landing gear. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop.
When asked what could have been done to prevent the accident, the pilot stated that he should have performed a go-around.
The weather reported at Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport (MPO) Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, 12 nautical miles to the northwest, at 1153, included variable winds at 3 knots, 10 miles visibility, an overcast ceiling at 8,500 feet, temperature 28 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 19 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 30.16 inches of mercury.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# IAD04CA004