Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing into the wind at a remote airstrip, as the airplane descended below the tree line, the airplane experienced “wind shear or turbulence” and the headwind diminished. The airplane lost aerodynamic lift, descended rapidly to the ground, and subsequently landed hard. The engine firewall sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot also reported that the winds in the area were 25 knots gusting to 30 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC20CA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N8769T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1960
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.