FTW99LA111

During the landing flare/touchdown, the pilot 'inadvertently allowed the nose of the airplane to descend to[o] low', the nose landing gear impacted the runway, and the nose landing gear tire 'exploded.' During final approach, the pilot observed the airspeed to be 'above normal landing speed.' He extended the flaps and reduced the power. The 205.6 hour private pilot had accumulated 9.5 hours flight time in the Cessna 182Q aircraft. He had flown the airplane 1 hour in the previous 30 days.

On March 15, 1999, at approximately 1200 central standard time, a Cessna 182Q single-engine airplane, N7608S, was substantially damaged upon impact with the runway during the landing flare/touchdown at the Scholes Field Airport, Galveston, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the West Houston Aero Club, Inc., Houston, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Sugar Land Municipal Airport/Hull Field, Houston, Texas, at approximately 1100.

During interviews, conducted by the FAA inspector, and on the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the private pilot reported beginning his descent approximately five miles northwest of the airport. During the final approach to land on runway 13, the pilot observed the airspeed to be "above normal landing speed." He extended "30 degrees of flaps and pulled back on the throttle to slow the aircraft." He then "inadvertently allowed the nose of the plane to descend to[o] low causing the front wheel assembly to make contact with the pavement." The nose landing gear tire "exploded on impact, allowing the propeller to hit the pavement." The airplane came to a stop on the runway. The private pilot then contacted a maintenance facility, via the aircraft radio, and had the aircraft towed from the runway to the ramp.

During an inspection for a ferry permit, a mechanic, contracted by the West Houston Aero Club., Inc., discovered damage to the engine firewall, nose landing gear assembly, and propeller tips. The mechanic reported the damage to the FAA Flight Standards District Office, Houston, Texas. A subsequent examination by an FAA inspector confirmed the damage. The engine firewall sustained a 45 degree buckle extending from the bottom left to the upper right side.

Notification of the accident to the National Transportation Safety Board occurred on April 8, 1999.

The 205.6 hour private pilot had accumulated 9.5 hours flight time in the Cessna 182Q aircraft. He had flown the airplane 1 hour in the previous 30 days.