No fatalities

Hard Landing and Bounce Event During Go-Around Attempt (N1838X)

Telluride, CO, US

On June 3, 1994, a Cessna 182H (registration N1838X) operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near Telluride, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. FACTORS WERE GUSTY WINDS AND RUNWAY DOWNSLOPE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot landing an airplane experienced a hard landing and multiple bounces after a gust during flare, exacerbated by runway downslope. The engine did not respond during go-around due to propeller damage from ground contact, resulting in nose gear and firewall damage.

Flight Details

During the flight, the pilot obtained two terminal sequence reports that indicated calm wind conditions. On final approach, the pilot was advised that the wind was from 130 degrees at 4 knots.

Approach and Landing

During the flare, a gust of wind caused the airplane to increase altitude. This altitude gain was exaggerated by the downslope of the runway. The airplane subsequently landed hard and bounced.

Go-Around Attempt and Bounce Sequence

The pilot added power to initiate a go-around. However, the engine did not respond because the propeller had been damaged by ground contact during the hard landing. The airplane bounced several more times before coming to a halt.

Damage

The nose gear and firewall were damaged as a result of the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jun 1994 Cessna 182H accident near Telluride, CO?

A pilot landing an airplane experienced a hard landing and multiple bounces after a gust during flare, exacerbated by runway downslope. The engine did not respond during go-around due to propeller damage from ground contact, resulting in nose gear and firewall damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jun 1994 Cessna 182H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jun 1994 involved a Cessna 182H, registration N1838X, operated by Santa Barbara Pilot Center, at Telluride, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

WAS THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FROM A BOUNCED LANDING. FACTORS WERE GUSTY WINDS AND RUNWAY DOWNSLOPE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.