Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that the airplane landed hard and bounced. He added that he performed a go-around, landed, and taxied to the ramp uneventfully.
During a walkaround before another flight that day, he noticed that the airplane had sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during his previous flight.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA485 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 12, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sparta, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Paul C Miller-Sparta (8D4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N52450
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.