No fatalities

Airplane Collides with Trees After Long Landing and Porpoise

Cascade, ID, United States

On August 13, 2020, a Cessna 182 N was involved in an aviation accident near Cascade, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the unstable approach which resulted in an inadequate flare, bounced landing and collision with trees following a delayed go around. 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

Pilot reported being too high and fast on approach; after landing, airplane porpoised and then collided with trees at end of runway. Post-impact fire substantially damaged the airplane.

Accident Details

During final approach, the pilot judged the airplane to be too high. To correct, he performed a sideslip, but the aircraft remained fast and elevated. After touching down, the airplane continued to the runway's end, where it struck trees. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by executing a go-around earlier.

Witness Reports

Two witnesses observed the airplane land hard beyond the runway's midpoint, followed by a porpoising motion. With approximately 800 feet of runway remaining, they heard the pilot apply full engine power. The aircraft then exited the runway surface and impacted trees. A fire broke out after the collision, resulting in substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no mechanical issues with the airplane or engine that would have interfered with normal operation. He attributed the sequence of events to his decision not to go around sooner.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage from the impact with trees and the subsequent fire.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotLanding flare — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation