Icp Srl SAVANNAH S N5200S accident near Evansville, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting winds, which resulted in a hard landing and the nose gear collapsing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while on final approach for landing in gusting winds and about 5 ft. above the ground, the airplane “dropped” and experienced a hard landing that collapsed the nose landing gear. The airplane slid along the runway for 5 to 10 ft. and came to a stop on the runway center line. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the airplane was landing on runway 36 with winds 360o at 10 knots with gusts to 15 knots. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had initiated a go-around.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA369 for the full record.