Incident Overview
A Cessna 182 experienced a hard landing during approach, resulting in the collapse and separation of the nose gear. The aircraft subsequently slid until the propeller spinner contacted the runway, causing the airplane to nose over.
Approach and Landing
The pilot reported that during the approach to land, he failed to recognize an excessive rate of descent until it was too late to avoid a hard landing. The runway environment required a close-in left base final approach due to high terrain at the approach end.
Pilot Comments
The pilot stated that while he had previously completed about 10 approaches to this runway in a Cessna 172, this was his first approach in a Cessna 182. He noted that he was tired and may not have noticed the differences in approach performance between the Cessna 182 and the Cessna 172 he typically flew.
Conclusion
The hard landing caused the nose gear to collapse and separate, followed by the aircraft nosing over after the spinner dug into the runway surface. No further details regarding injuries or damage beyond the aircraft were provided in the report.