NTSB Factual Report

On August 25, 2001, about 0725 eastern daylight time, a Beech 19, N2009A, was substantially damaged during landing at the Augusta State Airport (AUG), Augusta, Maine. The certificated student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement provided to the operator, the pilot said:

"While attempting to land (flap extended, airspeed 70 final approach), the airplane porpoised and bounced during touchdown. No hurt but damaged the nose gear and the propellers."

The pilot additionally reported to the operator that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector interviewed the pilot after the accident. According to the inspector, the pilot was practicing touch-and-gos on runway 35 at AUG. During the last landing, the airplane landed hard, and the nose wheel impacted the fuselage. The airplane slid to rest, on its nose, on the remaining runway. Substantial damage was noted to the nose wheel, firewall, and underside of the fuselage. No mechanical deficiencies were observed by the inspector.

Examination of the pilot's logbook revealed she had 37 hours of total flight experience, all were in the Beech 19.

Several attempts were made to contact the pilot to obtain the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report; however, none were successful.

Weather reported at AUG, at 0653, included winds from 360 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.

NTSB Probable Cause

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