What happened
On March 16, 2003, a Cessna 182, registration I-BLAC, was conducting a private recreational flight from Torino Aeritalia to Marina di Campo. The aircraft was operated by an Emilian aeronautical association and carried two occupants: the pilot and one passenger.
Prior to arrival, the pilot contacted the Marina di Campo AFIS to receive updated wind and runway information. At the time of the approach, the active runway was 34, with winds reported from 030 degrees at 25 to 30 knots, creating a significant crosswind component.
Upon landing at 12:38 UTC, the aircraft made initial contact with the runway but immediately bounced. This secondary impact caused the nose gear to strike the ground, resulting in the failure of the nose wheel and damage to the propeller and fuselage. There were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The ANSV examined the wreckage and the pilot's flight history. Analysis of the propeller blades showed backward bending, which indicated a low-speed impact with reduced engine power. The damage to the nose gear was consistent with longitudinal stress during the second touchdown.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials and the aircraft's configuration. The pilot held a valid private pilot license with approximately 206 total flight hours, including 96 hours on this specific type. The pilot reported landing with full flaps at a speed approximately 10 knots higher than the recommended approach speed.
Findings
- The aircraft was configured with full flaps, whereas the flight manual recommends using minimum flaps for landings involving significant crosswinds.
- The landing speed was higher than the prescribed parameters.
- The primary cause was an incorrect landing configuration and approach speed relative to the prevailing crosswind conditions.
- High winds (25-30 knots) contributed to the unstable approach and subsequent bounce.