On April 8, 2005, a Cessna 182M (registration N92112) was involved in an aviation accident near Cortez, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare. Contributing factors include the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making, the crosswind and the gusty surface winds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing flare on runway 21, the pilot encountered windshear. Despite adding power, the airplane descended rapidly, impacted the runway, bounced, veered right, and suffered nose gear collapse and propeller strike. Winds were 170 degrees at 19 gusting 25 knots, resulting in a crosswind component of 12-16 knots.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was performing a landing flare on runway 21 when the airplane encountered windshear. According to the pilot, power was added as the airplane descended; however, it continued descending rapidly. The airplane then impacted the runway, bounced several times, and departed the runway to the right side.
Aircraft Damage and Examination
During the impact, the nose landing gear assembly collapsed, and the propeller struck the runway. The damage was substantial. A subsequent examination of the airplane's systems found no anomalies.
Meteorological Conditions
The routine aviation weather report (METAR) at the time of the accident reported wind from 170 degrees at 19 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The calculated crosswind component for the accident time ranged from 12 to 16 knots.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 8 Apr 2005 Cessna 182M accident near Cortez, CO?
During landing flare on runway 21, the pilot encountered windshear. Despite adding power, the airplane descended rapidly, impacted the runway, bounced, veered right, and suffered nose gear collapse and propeller strike. Winds were 170 degrees at 19 gusting 25 knots, resulting in a crosswind component of 12-16 knots.
Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 2005 Cessna 182M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Apr 2005 involved a Cessna 182M, registration N92112, at Cortez, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing flare. Contributing factors include the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making, the crosswind and the gusty surface winds.