Accident Overview
On May 14, 2008, at approximately 1815 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182P (registration N4660K) experienced a hard landing at Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) in Santa Maria, California. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the flight had originated about 55 minutes prior to the accident. No flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that after returning from a local flight, he informed the tower controller of his intention to perform a left downwind, full stop landing. He was cleared and advised he was number two for landing. The pilot stated that the airplane touched down on the main landing gear and bounced. He added power to stabilize the landing, but the nose landing gear collapsed.
Witnesses reported that the airplane landed on runway 30 and bounced repeatedly until the nose landing gear collapsed.
Aircraft Damage
Inspection of the aircraft revealed that the engine firewall was wrinkled and the fuselage structure around the nose landing gear was damaged. The accident was classified as substantial damage.
Post-Accident Investigation
First responders at the scene suspected the pilot was intoxicated and requested the on-airport law enforcement officer. The Santa Maria Police Department administered alcohol breath tests. The first test at 1933 showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.24 percent, and a second test at 1937 showed 0.23 percent. The pilot was taken into custody.
The pilot initially told law enforcement that he had a bad cold and had taken Vicks Cold Medicine that morning. In a later statement to the National Transportation Safety Board, he reported that he had been taking a homemade cold medicine given as a gift from Tennessee and did not know its ingredients.
Pilot Medical History
A review of the pilot's FAA medical records indicated that he reported a DUI with license suspension on August 21, 2006. No records showed that the pilot provided details of the suspension or that the FAA pursued them prior to the accident. The NTSB obtained the arrest report for that DUI, which indicated a BAC of 0.10 and possession of cocaine at the time of arrest.
On his most recent medical certificate application (dated April 14, 2008), the pilot answered "yes" to item 18.v. regarding any conviction for driving while intoxicated, but provided no further explanation. There was no indication that the FAA requested additional information before the accident.