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Hard Landing and Propeller Damage at Catalina Airport (N7583S)

Avalon, CA, US

On March 9, 1996, a Cessna 182Q (registration N7583S) operated by Vista Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Avalon, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors relating to the accident were: a visual illusion due to rising terrain at the approach end of the runway, and the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach to… 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 on his first flight to Catalina Island made three landing attempts on runway 22, encountering an optical illusion from upsloping terrain. The third attempt resulted in a hard bounce and nose wheel impact, damaging the propeller and firewall.

Accident Details

The pilot, on his first flight to Catalina Island and unfamiliar with the airport, elected to land on runway 22 with wind from 170 degrees at 8 knots. The runway, 3,240 feet in length, had an upslope gradient on its first 2,000 feet. Steep cliffs were present at both the approach and departure ends of the runway.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that during three landing attempts, the aircraft was high and fast on each approach due to an optical illusion created by the upsloping terrain at the approach end of the runway. On the third approach, the aircraft touched down hard and bounced back into the air. The pilot then released back pressure on the control yoke, causing the aircraft to hit hard on the nose wheel. This impact damaged the propeller and firewall.

Airport Conditions

Catalina Airport features a single runway with significant terrain challenges. The upsloping gradient at the approach end and surrounding cliffs can create visual illusions for pilots unfamiliar with the airport.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1996 Cessna 182Q accident near Avalon, CA?

A pilot on his first flight to Catalina Island made three landing attempts on runway 22, encountering an optical illusion from upsloping terrain. The third attempt resulted in a hard bounce and nose wheel impact, damaging the propeller and firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1996 Cessna 182Q accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N7583S, operated by Vista Aviation, at Avalon, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing. Factors relating to the accident were: a visual illusion due to rising terrain at the approach end of the runway, and the pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during the approach to land.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.