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Casualties unknown

Airplane Stalls on Final Approach, Impacts Ground Short of Runway (N182FE)

Midland, TX, US

On December 26, 1998, a Cessna 182P (registration N182FE) was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall. 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

An airplane stalled on final approach and impacted the ground short of the runway threshold. Witnesses observed the airplane pitch up, then down, with wings rocking before a 70-degree nose-down impact.

Accident Sequence

The airplane stalled on final approach and impacted the ground short of the runway threshold, along the extended centerline of the runway. The nose then pitched down about 70 degrees before impact.

Witness Accounts

One witness reported that the airplane pitched "up and then back down and the wings started to rock back and forth some." Subsequently, the nose pitched down about 70 degrees and the airplane impacted the ground. Two other witnesses observed the airplane's wings "teeter slightly" before the airplane pitched 70 degrees nose low and impacted the ground.

Investigation Findings

Flight control continuity was confirmed at the accident site. No anomalies were found during testing of the engine, autopilot, and electrical trim system that would have prevented normal operation prior to the accident.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Dec 1998 Cessna 182P accident near Midland, TX?

An airplane stalled on final approach and impacted the ground short of the runway threshold. Witnesses observed the airplane pitch up, then down, with wings rocking before a 70-degree nose-down impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Dec 1998 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N182FE, at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, resulting in an inadvertent stall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11555. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.