Casualties unknown

N92259 Hard Landing Damages Propeller, Nose Gear, and Firewall

Palm Springs, CA, US

On October 6, 1985, a Cessna 182N (registration N92259) operated by Stagen, Chavez, Faulk Jr., was involved in an aviation accident near Palm Springs, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During arrival to runway 12, N92259 was instructed to square its turn to final approach after a Boeing 727 took off. The aircraft touched down hard, bounced multiple times, and sustained damage to the propeller, nose gear, and firewall.

Sequence of Events

On arrival, the pilot of N92259 entered the traffic pattern behind other aircraft to land on runway 12. At that time, a Boeing 727 was waiting to take off on the same runway. At 1914:52, the pilot was instructed to start a left turn to the base leg. At 1915:04, the Boeing was cleared to taxi into position and hold, but to be ready for an immediate takeoff. When other aircraft had cleared from the runway at 1915:41, the Boeing was cleared for takeoff. The Boeing immediately began its takeoff at 1915:44. The controller then instructed the pilot of N92259 to square his turn to final approach for spacing and to use caution for wake turbulence.

Landing and Damage

The pilot stated that he landed approximately 90 seconds after the Boeing took off. Reportedly, N92259 landed about one-quarter of the way down the runway. The aircraft touched down hard and bounced three or four times, damaging the propeller, nose gear, and firewall. After landing, the aircraft rolled to the end of the runway and the pilot taxied to the parking area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1985 Cessna 182N accident near Palm Springs, CA?

During arrival to runway 12, N92259 was instructed to square its turn to final approach after a Boeing 727 took off. The aircraft touched down hard, bounced multiple times, and sustained damage to the propeller, nose gear, and firewall.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1985 involved a Cessna 182N, registration N92259, operated by Stagen, Chavez, Faulk Jr.,, at Palm Springs, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38057. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.