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Airplane Impacts Runway Hard After Low-Altitude Drop

Newport, VT, United States

On May 6, 2012, a CESSNA 182N operated by Leading Edge Aviation Northeast was involved in an aviation accident near Newport, VT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and 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

According to the pilot, the airplane dropped hard from about 10 feet above the runway. Eyewitnesses observed wing shaking and a loud impact. Propeller strike marks indicated 38 knots ground speed. Damage to the engine firewall was substantial.

Incident Overview

According to a written statement from the pilot, the airplane was approximately 10 feet above the runway when it "dropped hard" onto the surface. An eyewitness reported that the wings shook from side to side, the airplane fell about 10 feet, and the sound of the runway impact was audible.

Impact Details

Runway marks indicated that the airplane impacted nose first, then bounced and struck the runway again. Propeller strike marks associated with the first impact suggested a ground speed of about 38 knots. The impact caused substantial damage to the engine firewall.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or anomalies prior to the accident.

Contributing factors

PilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintained

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 20 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 12 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182S (Sundowners Inc.)
  • 19 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182Q (Charles Kinard)
  • 11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182 (Beta Flight LLC)
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 11 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 7 May 2026 — CESSNA 182T (Top Flight Aviation INC)
  • 4 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 3 May 2026 — CESSNA 182

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 2012 CESSNA 182N accident near Newport, VT?

According to the pilot, the airplane dropped hard from about 10 feet above the runway. Eyewitnesses observed wing shaking and a loud impact. Propeller strike marks indicated 38 knots ground speed. Damage to the engine firewall was substantial.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 2012 CESSNA 182N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 2012 involved a CESSNA 182N, operated by Leading Edge Aviation Northeast, at Newport, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.

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