Cessna 182P N21231 accident near Bridgeport, California

Probable cause

The pilot's distracted attention while on final approach which resulted in his failure to maintain adequate airspeed and subsequent loss of aircraft control.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that while he was on a normal approach with the flaps in the full extended position, he observed powerlines prior to the runway. He reported that he focused on clearing the powerlines and lost track of the airplane's speed. The airplane cleared the powerlines and, shortly after, the airplane descended rapidly. The airplane struck the ground hard and bounced before it impacted the ground a second time in a nose low attitude. The airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted just short of the runway surface. During the accident sequence, the airplane's wings and empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA257 for the full record.