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Pilot Reports Low Approach Speed and Bounced Landing Leading to Runway Excursion (N333AJ)

Glenwood Sprngs, CO, US

On June 14, 2002, a Cessna TR182 (registration N333AJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Glenwood Sprngs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while conducting an aborted landing. Contributing factors were the pilot’s low approach airspeed, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. 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

A pilot concerned about elevation and runway length maintained low approach speed, resulting in airspeed decay, hard bounces, and a left-wing tree strike during an aborted landing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing approach, he was concerned about the airport's elevation and runway length, leading him to maintain a low approach speed. As the airplane came over the runway, the airspeed began to decay. The pilot stated he did not react quickly enough, and the airplane mushed onto the runway, bounced hard twice, and drifted off the left side of the runway.

Aborted Landing and Subsequent Events

Deciding to abort the landing, the pilot raised the flaps, enrichened the mixture, and added full throttle. The airplane lifted off, but its left wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to spin approximately 90 degrees. The airplane then slid about 200 feet, struck some construction equipment, spun around again, and came to a halt.

Pilot Comments

The pilot's account indicates that the low approach speed was a deliberate choice due to concerns about the airport's elevation and runway length. The pilot acknowledged that the airspeed decay and delayed reaction contributed to the initial hard landing and subsequent excursion.

Investigation

The investigation is based solely on the pilot's report. No information was provided regarding aircraft type, registration, date, location, number of occupants, injuries, or damage. No determination of probable cause has been stated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 2002 Cessna TR182 accident near Glenwood Sprngs, CO?

A pilot concerned about elevation and runway length maintained low approach speed, resulting in airspeed decay, hard bounces, and a left-wing tree strike during an aborted landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2002 Cessna TR182 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 2002 involved a Cessna TR182, registration N333AJ, at Glenwood Sprngs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while conducting an aborted landing. Contributing factors were the pilot’s low approach airspeed, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing roll.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020620X00945. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.