NTSB Factual Report

On May 14, 2005, about 1415 Pacific daylight time, a Beech C23 Sundowner, N1982L, made a hard landing at South County Airport of Santa Clara County (E16), San Martin, California. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight departed Cable Airport (CCB), Upland, California, at 1045, with a planned destination of San Martin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot submitted a written statement. He stated that he entered the landing pattern for runway 32, decreased the airspeed to 80 knots, and selected 15 degrees of flaps. On final, the precision approach path indicator (PAPI) indicated that he was on glideslope. The airplane touched down at 75 knots, and the engine was at idle. After touchdown, the airplane ballooned, and came back down hard on the nose gear. The nose gear then separated from the airplane. The airplane slid to a stop, and a small fire erupted in the engine compartment.

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions noted with the airplane. He also reported that the winds were from 140 degrees at 10 knots at the time of the landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper landing flare that resulted in a porpoise and a hard landing.