Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during final approach, which resulted in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at too low of an altitude to recover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that the airplane was low and at a slower-than-normal airspeed while on final approach. When the airplane was about 50 ft above ground level, he reduced the engine power to idle to land, but the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall and descended into a snowbank short of the runway. Both wings sustained substantial damage, and the nosewheel collapsed. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 15, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Huron, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Huron Rgnl (HON)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N2019A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.