Cessna T182T N5209P accident near Flagstaff, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate landing flare after encountering a downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he configured the airplane for landing, and, during the approach to the runway, he encountered a downdraft. The airplane touched down hard and bounced. After bouncing down the runway twice, the pilot decided to abort the landing and maneuvered the airplane back into the traffic pattern for the same runway. He landed without incident, and, upon egressing the airplane, he noted that the propeller had struck the runway on his first landing attempt. The airplane sustained damage to the firewall. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for the airport around the time of the accident recorded a right quartering headwind at 13 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA300 for the full record.