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Hard Landing Results in Substantial Damage After Turbulence and IMC Encounter (N873MP)

Dexter, MO, US

On October 17, 2006, a Cessna 182R (registration N873MP) was involved in an aviation accident near Dexter, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper runway selection for landing and the pilot's inadequate flare. A factor was the tailwind. 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 reported significant turbulence and instrument meteorological conditions soon after departure. Landing at 80-90 knots, the aircraft drifted left during the roll, causing severe vibration and damage to the main landing gear and elevator balance weight.

Incident

The pilot of the airplane reported encountering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) shortly after departure, along with "significant turbulence almost immediately." He executed an instrument approach and landed on runway 36 with an airspeed of approximately 80 to 90 knots, attributed to the wind conditions. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the left, and a severe vibration developed in the main landing gear.

Inspection Findings

Inspection of the aircraft revealed that ten rivets were sheared and broken from both the left and right main landing gear bulkhead assemblies. Additionally, the right elevator balance weight assembly was bent downward by about 4 inches, and the aluminum skin and spar extension were broken. The right balance weight assembly exhibited buckling and bending in the downward direction. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Weather Conditions

The reported surface winds at an airport located approximately 19 nautical miles from the accident airport were 150 degrees at 10 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 2006 Cessna 182R accident near Dexter, MO?

A pilot reported significant turbulence and instrument meteorological conditions soon after departure. Landing at 80-90 knots, the aircraft drifted left during the roll, causing severe vibration and damage to the main landing gear and elevator balance weight.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 2006 Cessna 182R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 2006 involved a Cessna 182R, registration N873MP, at Dexter, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper runway selection for landing and the pilot's inadequate flare. A factor was the tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061121X01701. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.