Cessna 182L N42206 accident near Branson, Missouri

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.

NTSB analysis

According to a local airport representative, witnesses (local fixed based operator personnel) observed the airplane on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern and noticed that it was approximately 50 to 70 feet above the trees. During final approach, the airplane descended well below the normal visual approach path and then touched down on the runway. After touchdown, the airplane began to bounce and porpoise. The airplane then became stable on the landing gear and taxied to the ramp. The witnesses noticed that the airplane's nose wheel was bent forward, and, after further inspection, it was determined that the firewall was bent. The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a hard landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA089 for the full record.