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Flight Training Accident Results in Hard Landing Short of Runway (N6362T)

Toms River, NJ, US

On October 31, 2006, a Cessna 182RG (registration N6362T) was involved in an aviation accident near Toms River, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The private pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a landing short of the runway. A contributing factor was the 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 commercial pilot check ride practice, a private pilot performed a short field landing. The airplane sank before the runway, struck the lip, and bounced, resulting in a hard landing and a flat nose landing gear strut.

Accident Sequence

During a flight training session in preparation for a commercial pilot check ride, a flight instructor directed a private pilot to perform a short field takeoff. After the climbout, the airplane encountered minor turbulence with some fluctuation in airspeed. The instructor then instructed the private pilot to execute a short field landing. On the final approach leg, the private pilot selected an aiming point just prior to the start of the runway to begin the flare. The approach appeared normal until the airplane suddenly sank, impacting the ground approximately 10 feet before the runway. The airplane subsequently struck the lip of the runway, bounced, and impacted the runway hard on its landing gear.

Postflight Examination

A postflight examination of the airplane revealed a flat nose landing gear strut. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane.

Winds and Conditions

Winds were from straight ahead at 12 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The private pilot reported that due to the proximity of the ground and the speed at which the sink occurred, no recovery techniques could be applied.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Oct 2006 Cessna 182RG accident near Toms River, NJ?

During a commercial pilot check ride practice, a private pilot performed a short field landing. The airplane sank before the runway, struck the lip, and bounced, resulting in a hard landing and a flat nose landing gear strut.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Oct 2006 Cessna 182RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Oct 2006 involved a Cessna 182RG, registration N6362T, at Toms River, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The private pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a landing short of the runway. A contributing factor was the 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/20061114X01643. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.