Accident Summary
On August 28, 2008, about 1200 mountain daylight time, a Cessna TR182, registration N5523T, experienced a hard landing at Spotted Bear (USFS) Airport in Spotted Bear, Montana. The airplane was substantially damaged, but neither the commercial certificated pilot nor the two passengers were injured. The accident occurred during an on-demand air taxi flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 135. A company visual flight rules flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Flight Details
The airplane was registered to and operated by Minuteman Aviation, Inc., of Missoula, Montana. The flight originated from Missoula about 1120. The pilot reported that all airplane systems functioned normally throughout the flight. He observed the airport's windsock when flying over the uncontrolled airport and during the approach, but did not observe it seconds prior to touchdown.
Pilot Account
On final approach, the airplane's rate of descent was initially normal, but when the airplane was on short final approach its rate of descent rapidly increased. The pilot stated that "about 15 feet above the ground the aircraft seemed to lose all lift." Despite application of engine power, the airplane impacted the runway in a nose-low attitude, causing the nose gear to collapse. After exiting the airplane, the pilot noted that the wind direction was variable and appeared to change by nearly 180 degrees, with speed varying between 5 and 10 knots. The pilot reported that "this accident could have been prevented by adjusting the [airplane's] approach speed" for a possible wind shift.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the accident site and airplane revealed the nose gear strut and wheel assembly located near the initial point of impact ground scar on the runway. The lower portion of the airplane's firewall was found bent, and belly longerons and skin panels were distorted from aft of the nose gear wheel well to beneath the baggage compartment door. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported at the time of the accident.