No fatalities

Aircraft Noses Over After Runway Excursion During Landing

Hudson Oaks, TX, United States

On February 11, 2016, a CESSNA 182 Q operated by William David Sunkel was involved in an aviation accident near Hudson Oaks, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the high approach, resulting in excessive speed during the landing roll, a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and nose over. 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

During landing, a pilot reported an excessive altitude on final, a prolonged flare, and two bounces before the aircraft touched down beyond mid-field. Unable to slow down, the pilot attempted a turn onto a taxiway but exited the runway, traveled down an embankment, and nosed over. Substantial damage resulted; no mechanical issues were reported.

Landing Sequence

The pilot reported that during the approach, the aircraft's altitude was too high on final. Despite this, the pilot decided to proceed with the landing. The landing flare lasted longer than expected, and the airplane touched down beyond the midfield point. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced twice.

Runway Excursion

As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted a right turn to exit onto a taxiway. However, the speed was too fast to complete the turn. The aircraft departed the runway turnoff and continued down an embankment. It nosed over just short of a nearby highway.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, the rudder, and the vertical stabilizer.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the airplane prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal flight operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotAirspeed — Not attained/maintained