No fatalities

Touch-and-Go Landing Incident on Dirt Airstrip

Calhan, CO, United States

On May 21, 2016, a CESSNA 182 L was involved in an aviation accident near Calhan, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing flare in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing 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

A pilot reported that crosswind gusts during a touch-and-go landing on a dirt airstrip led to a high flare, porpoising, and nose gear collapse, causing substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and left wing.

Incident Description and Damage Assessment During a touch-and-go landing on a dirt airstrip, the pilot reported encountering crosswind gusts during the landing flare. The pilot stated that the flare was too high and that the airplane began to porpoise during touchdown. Following this, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer and left wing sustained substantial damage. ## Mechanical Condition The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. No specific aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or cause is provided in the source material.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate