Cessna 182M N555NP

Summary

On 16 January 1999 at about 20:15 local time, a Cessna 182M registered N555NP was involved in an accident near Longmont, Colorado, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

16 January 1999 at 20:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Longmont, Colorado, United States

Coordinates

40.1691, -105.1095

Aircraft

Cessna 182M

Registration

N555NP

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Raton → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN99LA032

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's poor judgment by intentionally buzzing. A factor was an unfavorable wind that caused inadequate altitude/clearance to maneuver and avoid nearby houses.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot said he made arrangements with a friend to observe the airplane in slow flight. At an altitude of 500 feet agl (above ground level), the pilot reduced power, added flaps, and approached his residence. The light east-northeast wind increased in velocity as he turned, causing the airplane to 'sink' and turn left. The pilot 'attempted to [turn] with no effect.' He said the airplane was equipped with a Wren STOL conversion, which made the controls 'very hard and slow. As [the airplane] was configured, it is very difficult whenever the wind is not on the nose.' The pilot said he had lost considerable altitude and could not maneuver because of his proximity to houses and other structures. He intentionally 'put [the airplane] on the ground.' A witness observed the airplane twice descend 'at a rapid rate of speed,' then make 'a steep ascent back into the air.' The airplane banked 'at a 65 degree angle' and seemed to 'pivot.' The witness 'did not see, at any time, the plane's wings dip as if it were fighting winds.' The pilot told a sheriff's deputy that 'a crosswind pushed him to the ground.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.