Probable cause
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while he was on final approach he thought that the airplane may have encountered wake turbulence or a gust. The airplane bounced on the runway surface, veered to the right, and came to rest in the ramp area. The damage to the airplane included the firewall, the lower forward fuselage, and both wings. Immediately following the accident, the pilot reported to a Safety Board investigator that there were no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA081 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Payson, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Payson Airport (PAN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182P
- N-number
- N11PG
- 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.