Cessna 182P N58844 accident near Mecosta, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing and loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the accident occurred as he was attempting to land on a grass runway in calm wind conditions. He stated that the airplane bounced upon touchdown and that he initially believed it would settle back onto the runway without further incident. However, the airplane landed hard and bounced for a second time. The airplane then impacted nose first on the runway centerline, about 3/4 of the way down the useable length of the runway. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid on the forward fuselage about 40 feet before it nosed over. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, he stated that he did not attempt an aborted landing because there were buildings located off the end of the runway, which he believed the airplane would not have been able to clear.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA635 for the full record.