On December 11, 2009, about 0830 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182P, N11PG, experienced a hard landing at Payson Airport, Payson, Arizona. The private pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and two passengers were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local personal flight departed from Chandler, Arizona, about 0730, with a planned destination of Payson. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that while he was on final approach he thought the airplane may have encountered wake turbulence or a gust. The airplane bounced on the runway surface and the pilot attempted to recover by applying full power. The airplane did not respond; the right wing subsequently stalled. As a result, the airplane veered to the right off the runway surface, coming to rest in the ramp area.

A routine aviation weather report (METAR) for Prescott, Arizona, 59 miles to the east-southeast, reported that during the time surrounding the accident, the winds were calm.

Immediately following the accident, the pilot reported to a Safety Board investigator that there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.