Introduction
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1222 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182P, registration N1910M, was substantially damaged in an accident near Sanford, Florida. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, while holding after several unsuccessful landing attempts at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), he became disoriented and uncertain of his location. The pilot radioed an air traffic controller and requested assistance. He was advised to switch frequencies, and shortly thereafter, he was asked to "Ident," but the controller could not locate the pilot's position. The pilot was then advised to squawk 7700 on his transponder.
Becoming concerned about the remaining fuel quantity, the pilot noticed an airport to his left side, later determined to be Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), and elected to land. He attempted a landing on runway 36, where the airplane bounced, and he performed a go-around. The pilot then circled the airport at a low altitude before attempting a landing on runway 9L. During the second landing attempt, the pilot stated that a gust of wind caused the airplane to drop "hard" on the nose; subsequently, the nose gear collapsed.
Witness and Video Evidence
Witnesses at SFB reported observing the airplane flying low and "uncoordinated" over the airport. Surveillance video showed the airplane approaching from the west side of runway 36 at about a 45° angle past the threshold before bouncing and initiating a go-around. An additional video showed the airplane flying low and perpendicular to runway 9L at treetop height before making a left banking turn and contacting the runway in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and engine mounts. The wreckage was retained for further examination.