Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the airplane bounced at touchdown. She applied power and forward yoke. The airplane touched down hard and nose low, collapsing the nose landing gear.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 16, 1993, at 1922 central daylight time, a Beech C24R airplane, N2256L, collapsed the nose landing gear during landing at Spirit of St. Louis airport, Chesterfield, Missouri. The airplane was substantially damaged. The solo private pilot reported no injury. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the field. The local, personal flight originated about 1845 without a flight plan and operated under 14 CFR 91. The pilot stated the airplane bounced on first touchdown. She added power and applied forward yoke to "even it out." The airplane touched down hard on the nosewheel, and the nose gear collapsed. -