No fatalities

Hard Landing After Simulated Engine Failure Damages Nose Gear and Propeller

Wauchula, FL, United States

On October 27, 2013, a CESSNA 182Q operated by 725AS LEASING LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Wauchula, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot flared the airplane too high, resulting 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 performing a simulated engine failure flared too high, causing a hard landing that collapsed the nose gear and damaged the propeller and firewall.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, after completing three takeoffs and landings at the destination airport, a simulated engine failure was performed. During the landing phase, the pilot was excessively high above the runway surface. Fixated on completing the landing, the pilot flared the airplane too high, which resulted in a hard landing.

Damage

The hard landing caused the nose gear to collapse, damage to the propeller, and damage to the aircraft structure. A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by performing a go-around.

Probable cause

The pilot flared the airplane too high, resulting in a hard landing.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation