Pilot Reported That The Airplane Encountered A Crosswind Gust Just Prior To Touchdown

Location: Midland, Virginia Accident Number: ERA25LA150
Date & Time: March 15, 2025, 14:50 Local Registration: N918BM
Aircraft: Textron Aviation Inc T240 Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a crosswind gust just prior to touchdown, which pushed it to the left, and the pilot corrected with right aileron and left rudder. Upon touchdown, the pilot felt a “soft bump rather than the typical soft touch of the main [landing] gear,” which was followed by a “large bounce and porpoising.”

The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and the nose landing
gear collapsing.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov