Cessna 182 N6167L accident near Swainsboro, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot's unstabilized approach during the initial landing with a right quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent go-around and the collapse of the nose landing gear during the subsequent landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that rain showers were present near his destination airport, so he diverted and landed at a nearby airport. He added that, during the approach, he felt the airplane was being pushed forward and saw an increase in indicated airspeed and nose-down attitude. He continued the approach, and upon touchdown, the airplane landed hard on the nosewheel first and bounced, so he initiated a go-around. He then re-entered the pattern, approached the same runway, and upon touchdown, the nose landing gear (NLG) collapsed, and airplane exited the runway to the left into a ditch.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the NLG tunnel.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station (AWOS) reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 100° at 7 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 32.

The pilot reported that he believed the NLG was damaged during the initial landing. He added that, after landing, the windsock was found to be damaged and that it was not indicating the wind direction properly. However, the airport's AWOS was accessible by radio.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA449 for the full record.