No fatalities

Private Pilot Stalls on Final Approach, Hits Snowbank

Huron, SD, United States

On February 15, 2020, a Cessna 182 T was involved in an aviation accident near Huron, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude to recover. 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

On final approach, the pilot reduced power to idle at 50 ft, causing an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted a snowbank short of the runway, damaging both wings and collapsing the nose wheel.

Accident Details

During a landing approach, the private pilot reported that the airplane was flying low and at a slower-than-normal airspeed. When the airplane reached approximately 50 feet above ground, the pilot reduced engine power to idle in preparation for landing.

Stall and Impact

Shortly after reducing power, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and subsequently descended into a snowbank before reaching the runway. The impact caused substantial damage to both wings and collapsed the nose wheel.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have contributed to the accident.

Contributing factors

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceededPilot