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Hard Landing and Nose Gear Collapse During Parachute Drop Flight (N3486U)

Pell City, AL, US

On March 23, 2002, a Cessna 182F (registration N3486U) was involved in an aviation accident near Pell City, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing resulting in exceedance of the design limits and collapse of the nose gear assembly. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight with a known equipment deficiency. 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 the fourth parachute drop flight, the pilot noted reduced elevator control on takeoff but continued. After releasing two parachutists at 3,500 ft, he landed hard, porpoised, and on the third touchdown the nose gear collapsed. Aircraft ran off runway with substantial damage. Post-accident inspection found no flight control issues.

Incident Overview

On the fourth parachute drop flight of the day for the pilot and aircraft, the pilot detected a reduction in elevator control authority during takeoff. Despite this anomaly, the pilot elected to continue the takeoff. The aircraft climbed to 3,500 feet above ground level, where the pilot released the two parachutists. After completing the drop, the pilot returned to the airport.

Landing and Porpoise

On approach, the pilot used engine power to control the flare. The aircraft touched down hard, which initiated a porpoise maneuver. The aircraft bounced and made subsequent touchdowns. On the third touchdown, the nose gear collapsed. The aircraft then ran off the left side of the runway, coming to a stop with substantial damage.

Post-Accident Inspection

FAA inspectors performed a post-accident inspection of the aircraft's flight control system. The inspection revealed no evidence of flight control interference, malfunction, or damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 2002 Cessna 182F accident near Pell City, AL?

During the fourth parachute drop flight, the pilot noted reduced elevator control on takeoff but continued. After releasing two parachutists at 3,500 ft, he landed hard, porpoised, and on the third touchdown the nose gear collapsed. Aircraft ran off runway with substantial damage. Post-accident inspection found no…

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 2002 Cessna 182F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 2002 involved a Cessna 182F, registration N3486U, at Pell City, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to properly recover from a bounced landing resulting in exceedance of the design limits and collapse of the nose gear assembly. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight with a known equipment deficiency.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020326X00398. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.