Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing, the airplane "hit some turbulence," and it "felt like the bottom dropped out." Subsequently, the airplane landed hard.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing front spar.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported that the wind was light and variable. The automated weather observation system about 19 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 7 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 18.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA446 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Malden, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Malden Rgnl (MAW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 310
- N-number
- N46CH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- 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.