Probable cause
The pilot's incorrect landing flare in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing flare in gusting wind conditions, the airplane "experienced an unexpected nose down pitch with an immediate impact of the front tire on the runway." He added that the airplane porpoised during the rollout but that he was able to keep the airplane on the runway and taxi to the ramp without further incident.
The firewall sustained substantial damage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA243 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 21, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Killeen, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Skylark Field (ILE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N3308U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.