Probable cause
The pilot's failure to perform a go-around when he recognized that the airplane was high and fast during the final approach, which resulted in an improper landing flare and a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the final approach the airplane was "high and fast" and touched down hard. The pilot further reported that the airplane became airborne again and during the second touchdown the nose gear collapsed. Subsequently, the airplane slid to a stop coming to rest on the right edge of the runway.
The fuselage and firewall sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 26, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palo Alto, California
- Nearest airport
- Palo Alto (PAO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N387CS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2011
- 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.