Beech C23 N23845 accident near Santa Fe, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.

NTSB analysis

The 170-hour student pilot was performing closed traffic pattern practice takeoff and landing procedures. The student stated that he had performed 8 successful touch and go landings without incident. The next landing was intended to be a full stop landing. He stated that he flared and attempted to keep the airplane off the runway to slow his airspeed, then reduced power too quickly and the airplane touched down hard and bounced. The student pilot then "forced the nose forward" and touched down hard on the nose gear. The aircraft slid to a stop and remained on the runway. The aircraft was substantially damaged when the nose gear collapsed and both propeller blades struck the runway. The pilot, sole occupant, was not injured and was able to egress unassisted. Weather at the airport approximately 10 minutes prior to the landing was, wind 270 degrees at 16 knots, temperature 22 degrees Celsius and dew point 18 degrees Celsius.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA109 for the full record.