No fatalities

CESSNA 182H accident at Smithfield, RI, 4 Oct 2025

Smithfield, RI, United States

On October 4, 2025, a CESSNA 182H operated by Boston Skydive Center was involved in an aviation accident near Smithfield, RI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the elevator trim system, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the maintenance personnel and pilot’s failure to perform adequate post maintenance/preflight inspections. 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

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the elevator trim system, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the maintenance personnel and pilot’s failure to perform adequate post maintenance/preflight inspections.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

Maintenance personnelIncorrect service/maintenanceInadequate inspectionPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 2025 CESSNA 182H accident near Smithfield, RI?

Maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the elevator trim system, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the maintenance personnel and pilot’s failure to perform adequate post maintenance/preflight inspections.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Oct 2025 CESSNA 182H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 2025 involved a CESSNA 182H, operated by Boston Skydive Center, at Smithfield, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Maintenance personnel’s improper rigging of the elevator trim system, which resulted in a hard landing. Contributing was the maintenance personnel and pilot’s failure to perform adequate post maintenance/preflight inspections.