Beech 95 55 N9411Y accident near Gulf Shores, Alabama

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that there were no problems with the airplane's performance and handling throughout the flight. He further stated that, after the airplane had touched down for the second time (witnesses reported that the airplane bounced after landing) and had slowed to about 30 knots during the landing roll, he felt a "shimmy" coming from the airplane's nose area. The nose landing gear then collapsed, and the airplane slid on its nose until it stopped partially off the side of the runway. The airframe sustained substantial damage. According to one witness, the airplane's approach speed was "excessive," and the airplane landed in a flat attitude and then bounced. Another witness stated that the airplane touched down on all three landing gear, bounced, and then touched down a second time on the nose landing gear. Examination of the wreckage revealed overstress damage consistent with a hard landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA324 for the full record.