Primary finding
Probable cause
The improper landing, abrupt lowering of the nose gear. A factor was the landing airspeed exceeded.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing the pilot touched down on the main landing gear at 65 miles per hour and in a crab. The pilot prematurely lowered the nose gear resulting in a blown tire, bent nose gear, and buckled fire wall.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 16, 1994, at 1515 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6315M, was substantially damaged during landing near College Station, Texas. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local area flight. The pilot stated in the pilot/operator report that during landing he touched down on the main landing gear with zero flaps and "somewhat sideways." He further reported that his speed was approximately 65 miles per hour. The manufacturer states that landing can be performed at 37.5 to 43.4 miles per hour with flaps up. According to the pilot after touchdown on the main landing gear he prematurely lowered the nose gear to the ground and blew the tire. An examination of the aircraft by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the nose landing gear and the firewall was damaged. The aircraft was released to the owner. -