No fatalities

Pilot Reports Gust of Wind and Engine Power Loss During Landing; Hard Landing Results in Gear Separation

Clifton, TX, United States

On December 21, 2010, a CESSNA 182P operated by Pauls Valley Flyboys LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Clifton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and inadequate flare, which resulted in a hard landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during landing on runway 32, a gust of wind pushed the airplane off the runway. Adding power did not respond, resulting in a hard landing that tore off the right main landing gear and nose gear.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, as the airplane neared touchdown on runway 32, a strong gust of wind pushed it off the runway. The pilot added power, but the engine did not respond. The airplane then landed hard, tearing off the right main landing gear, followed by the nose-wheel landing gear.

Damage

Post-accident examination revealed that the fuselage was buckled aft of the main landing gear attachment points. Both tips of the two-bladed propeller were curled aft, consistent with engine power at the time of impact.

Witness Account

A witness who was opening a hangar reported hearing "the sound of metal contacting the ground" and turned to see the accident airplane dragging its wing. The witness observed the main landing gear separate from the airplane and the baggage door "pop" open. He added that he did not hear the engine increase power for a go-around.

Weather Information

The automated weather reporting station, located about 21 miles southeast of the accident site, reported winds at 220 degrees at 8 knots at 1051.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Wind