FTW98LA128

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 17R. Winds were reported from 180 degrees at 6 knots. While performing his second landing, he initiated a side slip to compensate for a slight right crosswind. Upon landing, the aircraft porpoised, then exited the left side of the runway, impacting a ditch. The pilot reported he believed the nose wheel had turned to the left due to the left rudder input, causing the aircraft to depart to the left side of the runway. However, according to the Raytheon Aircraft Company, the aircraft manufacturer, the Beech 23 was designed without nose wheel steering. The wheel casters and is moved only by utilization of the breaks and remains in a neutral position during flight, continually aligned with the fuselage.

On February 11, 1998, at 1245 mountain standard time, a Beech 23, N2382L, was substantially damaged following loss of control during landing roll and subsequent impact with terrain at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The student pilot, the sole occupant onboard, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight which had originated approximately 35 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot's accident report, he was practicing touch-and-go landings on runway 17R. Winds were reported from 180 degrees at 6 knots. While performing his second landing, he initiated a side slip to compensate for a slight right crosswind. Upon landing, the aircraft porpoised, then "immediately veered sharply to the left." The aircraft exited runway 17R, impacting a ditch. The aircraft then slid approximately 60 feet to a stop. The pilot reported in a telephone interview following the accident that he believed the nose wheel had turned to the left due to the left rudder input, causing the aircraft to depart to the left when the wheel made contact with the runway.

According to a representative of the aircraft manufacturer, Raytheon Aircraft Company, the Beech 23 was designed without a pushrod to rotate the nose wheel. The wheel casters, and is moved only by utilization of the breaks. The nose wheel remains in a neutral position during flight and is continually aligned with the fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the nose gear was separated from the aircraft, the engine mount was bent, the fire wall was damaged, and the left wing was bent.