Cessna 182Q N759NB accident near Cashmere, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during an aborted landing, while flying in tailwind conditions. Contributing to the accident was the high density altitude weather condition.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he flew a low approach to runway 25 to observe the wind conditions, saw the windsock “hanging dead,” and decided to land on runway 07. The pilot set the flaps to 20° and “carried a little extra speed” on final approach. The airplane crossed the runway threshold about 70 knots and touched down within the first quarter of the runway. After touchdown on runway 07, the pilot applied brakes, however, felt that the airplane did not slow quickly enough, and decided to abort the landing. During the go around, the airplane collided with a residential structure located beyond the departure end of runway 07, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

A witness reported that they observed the airplane touch down about midfield, on runway 07. They added that at the time of the accident, the temperature was about 100° F, with the wind from the west.

The nearest weather reporting station, about 13 miles southeast of the accident site, reported around the time of the accident wind from 260° at 7 knots, altimeter setting was 29.87, and temperature was 100.4° F. The calculated density altitude was 3,842 ft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA234 for the full record.