Probable cause
The pilot's non-stabilized approach that resulted in an improper flare and porpoise down the runway.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was high and fast on the approach to the runway. When the pilot flared for landing, the airplane floated and he tried to force it on the ground. The airplane began to porpoise, contacting the ground twice before settling onto the runway for the third and final time. The pilot thought that the nose wheel was damaged when the airplane contacted the runway the second time, so he decided not to go around. The airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA238 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 26, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yellow Pine, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Johnson Creek (3U2)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182J
- N-number
- N3381F
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.