Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane throughout the landing.
NTSB analysis
The airplane remained in the traffic pattern to practice landings, and on the first landing attempt as the airplane's nose wheel touched down, the airplane veered to the right. The pilot said the airplane did not respond to left rudder inputs and that the application of the left break resulted in only a slight correction. The airplane exited the runway's right side where it impacted the taxiway edge, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. The airplane skidded to a stop on the opposite side of the taxiway. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the firewall, nose gear, and fuselage. The examination also established continuity of the nose wheel steering system components.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA242 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 9, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Madera, California
- Nearest airport
- Madera Municipal Airport (KMAE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182M
- N-number
- N71165
- 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.