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Left Wing Strike During Short Landing Results in Gear Collapse (N4814K)

Blanding, UT, US

On February 17, 1982, a Cessna 210 (registration N4814K) operated by Lamar D. Stevenson was involved in an aviation accident near Blanding, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique, which resulted in a left wing strike and subsequent gear collapse due to an unbalanced fuel load and landing short of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-17Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft landed short of the runway with an unbalanced fuel load, causing the left wing to strike the ground and the nose gear to collapse during the subsequent skid.

What happened

The pilot reported that visibility was five miles at the time of landing. However, the airport manager stated that visibility was less than one mile due to ground fog. The aircraft touched down short of the runway with an unbalanced fuel load, causing the left wing to strike the ground. After the initial impact, the nose gear struck the ground and the left main gear collapsed. The aircraft then skidded 55 yards, turning 90 degrees to the left, before stopping approximately 30 to 40 feet short of the approach end of the runway.

The investigation

An investigation revealed that the left wing struck the ground upon touchdown. The subsequent impact caused the nose gear to strike the ground and the left main gear to collapse. The aircraft skidded 55 yards before coming to a stop. The airport elevation was recorded at 5865 feet MSL.

Findings

The pilot reported that the left fuel tank was full and the right tank was empty, indicating an unbalanced fuel load. The discrepancy in visibility reports between the pilot and the airport manager suggests potential confusion regarding weather conditions during the approach. The aircraft's path indicated it landed short of the intended touchdown zone.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique, which resulted in a left wing strike and subsequent gear collapse due to an unbalanced fuel load and landing short of the runway.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 210 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Feb 1982 Cessna 210 accident near Blanding, UT?

A light aircraft landed short of the runway with an unbalanced fuel load, causing the left wing to strike the ground and the nose gear to collapse during the subsequent skid.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 1982 involved a Cessna 210, registration N4814K, operated by Lamar D. Stevenson, at Blanding, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and proper landing technique, which resulted in a left wing strike and subsequent gear collapse due to an unbalanced fuel load and landing short of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.