Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard and he was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane exited the runway to the left, and upon contacting the grass nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and right wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA024 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 16, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Leesburg, Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Leesburg Executive (JYO)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N5446N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.