Abnormal Runway Contact: Cessna 182D Skylane, N8903X, accident occurred November 16, 2018 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT), North Carolina

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Charlotte, North Carolina

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

https://registry.faa.gov/N8903X

Location: Charlotte, NC
Accident Number: GAA19CA064
Date & Time: 11/16/2018, 1540 EST
Registration: N8903X
Aircraft: Cessna 182
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Abnormal runway contact
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal 

Analysis

The pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection, he did not observe any issues with the nosewheel tire. However, during touchdown at the destination airport, he felt something was wrong, so he pulled back on the controls. He added that the airplane "left the ground for a few seconds" and then landed hard the second time. He taxied to the ramp without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.

The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about 12 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 36R. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

Findings

Aircraft
Landing flare - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tailwind - Effect on operation

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Abnormal runway contact (Defining event)
Hard landing

Pilot Information

Certificate: Private
Age: 59, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: Unknown
Instrument Rating(s): None
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 3 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 07/06/2017
Occupational Pilot: No
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 04/18/2018
Flight Time: (Estimated) 279.8 hours (Total, all aircraft), 279.8 hours (Total, this make and model), 19.6 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 6.1 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Cessna
Registration: N8903X
Model/Series: 182 D
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 18253303
Landing Gear Type: Tricycle
Seats: 4
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 02/16/2018, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 2650 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3494.3 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: Installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: O-470-L
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 230 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCLT, 769 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 2052 UTC
Direction from Accident Site: 326°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 25000 ft agl
Visibility:  10 Miles
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 5 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: None / None
Wind Direction: 220°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: N/A / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.04 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 14°C / 2°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Asheville, NC (AVL)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Charlotte, NC (CLT)
Type of Clearance: VFR Flight Following
Departure Time: 1500 EST
Type of Airspace: Class B

Airport Information

Airport: CHARLOTTE/DOUGLAS INTL (CLT)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt; Concrete
Airport Elevation: 747 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 36R
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 8677 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 None
Latitude, Longitude: 35.214444, -80.947222 (est)