Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed on final approach, which resulted in an in-flight loss of control and hard landing.
NTSB analysis
During the final approach, the pilot reported encountering turbulence and wind gusts. As the airplane crossed the runway threshold, the indicated airspeed reduced to 65 miles per hour, the stall warning horn sounded, and the airplane stalled. The pilot pushed the nose forward to regain control, but the airplane impacted the runway hard causing substantial damage to the firewall. After the landing, the pilot was able to taxi to the ramp without further incident. The reported winds at a nearby airport about the time of the accident were from 200 degrees true at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA094 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Galion, Ohio
- Nearest airport
- Galion Muni (GQQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182E
- N-number
- N25AW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.