ERA25LA166

On April 3, 2025, about 1222 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N1910M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sanford, Florida. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, while holding after several unsuccessful attempts to land at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), Lakeland, Florida, he became disoriented and uncertain of his location. The pilot radioed an air traffic controller and requested assistance. The pilot stated that he was advised to switch frequencies and shortly thereafter, he was asked to “Ident,” but the controller could not locate the pilot’s position. The pilot was then advised to squawk 7700 on his transponder. The pilot became concerned about the airplane’s remaining fuel quantity, noticed an airport to his left side, later determined to be Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), Orlando, Florida, and elected to land. The pilot attempted a landing on runway 36, where the airplane bounced, and the pilot performed a go-around. The pilot then circled the airport at a low altitude before attempting a landing on runway 9L. During the second landing attempt, the pilot stated that a gust of wind caused the airplane to drop “hard” on the nose, subsequently, the nose gear collapsed. Witnesses at SFB reported observing the airplane flying low and “uncoordinated” over the airport. Surveillance video showed the airplane approaching from the west side of runway 36 at about a 45° angle past the threshold before the airplane bounced and then began a go-around. An additional video showed the airplane flying low and perpendicular to runway 9L at tree top height before making a left banking turn and contacting the runway in a nose down attitude. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and engine mounts. The wreckage was retained for further examination.