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Casualties unknown

Nose Gear Collapse During Landing on Private Dirt Airstrip (N3117Y)

Quilcene, WA, US

On September 19, 1993, a Cessna 182E (registration N3117Y) operated by Fisk, Orville M. was involved in an aviation accident near Quilcene, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER AIRSPEED AND GLIDEPATH. 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 landing on a private dirt airstrip, the airplane's nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over after a low-speed final approach and flare. Post-crash examination found the nose gear fork broken from overstress.

Accident Sequence

At the conclusion of a cross-country flight, the airplane initiated an approach to a private dirt airstrip for landing. The pilot reported that the airspeed was low during the final approach phase. To clear a fence situated near the start of the airstrip, the pilot made adjustments to the engine power. During the flare, the airplane suddenly dropped and subsequently bounced slightly on the runway surface. After traveling a short distance along the airstrip, the nose gear collapsed, causing the airplane to nose over.

Post-Crash Inspection

A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that the nose gear fork had broken in multiple locations. The fork was subjected to metallurgical analysis, which determined that all fracture surfaces were consistent with overstress separations, indicating that the breaks occurred due to loads exceeding the structural limits.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1993 Cessna 182E accident near Quilcene, WA?

During landing on a private dirt airstrip, the airplane's nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over after a low-speed final approach and flare. Post-crash examination found the nose gear fork broken from overstress.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1993 involved a Cessna 182E, registration N3117Y, operated by Fisk, Orville M., at Quilcene, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER AIRSPEED AND GLIDEPATH.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13487. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.