Cessna 182M N71186 accident near Wilson Bar, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s misjudged approach that led to a long landing and his failure to execute a go-around when he realized that he overshot his intended point of landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot overflew the unimproved mountain airstrip in preparation for landing. The pilot reported that the windsock appeared to indicate a calm wind or very little tail wind. The pilot stated that the airplane did not touchdown until 2/3 of the way down the runway. The airplane subsequently exited the far end of the runway, impacting rough terrain and trees, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and minor injuries to occupants. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the wings and the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical anomalies with the flight control systems and he reported that the left brake was operating at the time of application.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA332 for the full record.