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Casualties unknown

Pilot Misjudges Runway Threshold During Landing, Results in Short Touchdown (N95915)

Cincinnati, OH, US

On August 8, 2002, a Cessna 182Q (registration N95915) was involved in an aviation accident near Cincinnati, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of the runway threshold resulting from his lack of experience flying the airplane with three passengers. 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

The pilot of a light airplane touched down 25 feet short of the runway, causing damage to the nose wheel and fuselage. The pilot attributed the misjudgment to being unaccustomed to flying with three passengers.

Event Summary

According to the pilot's report, the intention was to land on the approach end of the runway to facilitate a high-speed reverse turnoff approximately 1,000 feet ahead. This maneuver would have significantly shortened the taxi distance to the pilot's hangar compared to a full rollout and subsequent turnoff. However, during the landing, the airplane touched down about 25 feet before the runway threshold.

Damage

Upon touching down short, the airplane's nose wheel struck the lip of the runway. The impact caused the nose wheel to flatten. Further damage included buckling of the firewall and the appearance of wrinkles and popped rivets on the left side of the fuselage.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported being unfamiliar with the handling characteristics of the airplane while carrying three passengers. He stated that he "misjudged the threshold and hit the end of the pavement."

Probable cause

The pilot's misjudgment of the runway threshold resulting from his lack of experience flying the airplane with three passengers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 2002 Cessna 182Q accident near Cincinnati, OH?

The pilot of a light airplane touched down 25 feet short of the runway, causing damage to the nose wheel and fuselage. The pilot attributed the misjudgment to being unaccustomed to flying with three passengers.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N95915, at Cincinnati, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of the runway threshold resulting from his lack of experience flying the airplane with three passengers.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020816X01417. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.