Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare which resulted in a hard landing and substantial damage to the firewall.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing flare a gust of wind rotated the nose to the left and he responded by correcting with right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane touched down hard, bounced 3 to 4 times, and the propeller struck the runway. The pilot was able to maintain directional control and taxied to the ramp without further incident. During a post-flight inspection, substantial damage was found on the firewall.
The reported winds at the airport about the time of the accident were from 340 degrees true at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots, and the runway heading was 310 degrees.
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 GAA15CA106 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 3, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palm Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Palm Springs Intl (PSP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182Q
- N-number
- N759ZK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.