# NTSB CHI97LA129: Beech B33-35, N12GS, Mishawaka, IN, May 11, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1997, 10:45 local (15:45 UTC)
- Place: Mishawaka, IN
- Coordinates: 41.689601, -86.149742 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6896&lon=-86.1497&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 9, 1999
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10563
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10563/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA129

## Probable cause

Improper flare.  A factor associated with the accident was the gusty, crosswind condition.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload

## Analysis

The pilot was landing on runway 28 with winds from 210 degrees at 12 knots gusty to 22 knots when the accident occurred.  He reported that when approximately 10-15 feet above the runway he heard a momentary 'chirp' of the stall warning horn.  He reported the airplane then dropped and the nose gear collapsed.

## Factual narrative

On May 11, 1997, at 1045 eastern standard time, a Beech B33-35, N12GS, registered to and flown by a private pilot collided with the terrain while landing on a private airstrip in Mishawaka, Indiana.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.  The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged.  The flight originated from Elkhart, Indiana, at 1030 est.

The pilot was landing on runway 28 (1,800 foot long, sod) when the accident occurred.  He reported that at an altitude of approximately 10-15 feet he heard a momentary "chirp" of the stall warning horn at which time he lowered the nose of the airplane.  He reported that the airplane then dropped and landed hard at which time the nose gear collapsed and the nose gear strut dug into the dirt.  The pilot reported there was moderate turbulence at the time of the accident and he was landing with a 60 degree crosswind.

Winds reported at Elkhart, Indiana, approximately 5 miles northeast of the accident site, were from 210 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 22 knots.  This observation was taken approximately five minutes after the time of the accident.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N12GS (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Beech B33-35
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CD796
- Airframe hours: 4101
- Engines: Continental IO-470-K 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Harold W. Nelund
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 13, 1996, 12 hours before
- Departed: EKM, ELKHART, IN
- Destination: 9II2
- Airport: 9II2, Nelund Field, runway 28, 1,700 × 70 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,416 total, 463 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 12 knots, gusting 22
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EKM, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19970511009929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970511009929A), May 11, 1997: Beech 35B33, Mishawaka, IN, Substantial damage. Landing nose low atitude bent prop nose gear wheel well and cowl structure.(-23) while landing at his Private, 1800 ft. sod strip in gusty wind conditions, the…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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