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Landing Incident Results in Nose Gear Collapse (N2602F)

Farmington, NM, US

On July 19, 2004, a Cessna 182J (registration N2602F) was involved in an aviation accident near Farmington, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his improper flare. Contributing factors include the wind shift, and gusty wind conditions. 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 a full-stop landing, a gust of wind caused the airplane to climb and drop onto the runway, collapsing the nose landing gear and buckling the firewall.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, he completed one full-stop landing, one touch-and-go landing, and was attempting a second full-stop landing on runway 25. During the approach, he heard the tower report to other aircraft that the winds were 240 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots. During the flare, a gust of wind struck the airplane. The airplane climbed 10 to 15 feet and then dropped to the runway. After the airplane struck the runway, the pilot kept it on centerline, completed the roll-out, and brought the airplane to a stop on the taxiway.

Damage

The impact with the runway collapsed the nose landing gear and buckled the firewall.

Weather Conditions

At 1453, the recorded wind conditions at Farmington were 280 degrees at 8 knots. At 1502, the winds were 240 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 21 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 2004 Cessna 182J accident near Farmington, NM?

During a full-stop landing, a gust of wind caused the airplane to climb and drop onto the runway, collapsing the nose landing gear and buckling the firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 2004 Cessna 182J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 2004 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N2602F, at Farmington, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his improper flare. Contributing factors include the wind shift, and gusty wind conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040722X01040. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.