Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the airplane was about 10 feet above the ground during the approach to landing when it "dropped hard" onto the runway. An eyewitness stated that the wings shook from side to side, the airplane fell to the ground, and the sound of runway impact could be heard. According to marks on the runway, the airplane impacted nose first and then bounced and impacted the runway again. Calculations based on the propeller strike marks associated with the first impact indicated a ground speed of about 38 knots. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA322 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Newport, Vermont
- Nearest airport
- Newport State Airport (EFK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182N
- N-number
- N9217G
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.