Cessna 182Q N377H accident near Blaine, Minnesota

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper airspeed during the landing approach, which resulted in an improper flare and hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was conducting a local personal flight. The pilot reported that, while in the traffic pattern, she applied carburetor heat and extended the flaps to 10 degrees. At this point, the passenger informed her that the engine manifold air pressure had reduced to 4 inches. She added throttle, and the manifold air pressure recovered to between 14 and 15 inches. The pilot stated that she was concerned about having an engine failure and kept the airspeed at 80 knots until she was sure the airplane could reach the runway. She added that she then throttled back and that the airspeed reduced to 60 knots and, as the airplane crossed the end of the runway, she "lost all airspeed." She stated that, shortly after, the airplane descended to 8 to 10 ft above the ground and then landed hard. Based on the available information, the airplane's engine responded to the pilot's control inputs. It is likely that the pilot's concern about the engine led to her failure to maintain a proper approach airspeed during the landing, which resulted in a hard landing.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA231 for the full record.