N16CT

On May 28, 2005 about 1400 eastern daylight Time, a Beech BE- 33-F33, N16CT, registered to are operated by a private individual as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, made a hard landing at Cedar Key, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private rated pilot, and one passenger, were not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Panama City, Florida, the same day, about 1100.

The pilot stated that as he approached to land at Cedar Key Florida. He made a pass over the airport to check the wind, and determined that the wind favored runway 23, so he entered the airport traffic pattern and prepared to land. He said everything seemed normal on final approach, and it felt like he was going to touchdown very close the approach end of the runway, so he added power. He said as best he can remember, the airplane was about 8 to 12 feet above the runway ,and does not know if the winds at the water's edge caused him to make a hard landing are not. He said he landed hard on the nose, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane skidded to a stop.