# NTSB FTW99LA127: Cessna 182Q, N95631, Marfa, TX, May 1, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 1, 1999, 07:45 local (13:45 UTC) - Place: Marfa, TX - Coordinates: 30.310607, -104.020507 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3106&lon=-104.0205&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report June 21, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 46227 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA127 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/46227/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA127 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the dirt bank during the landing flare. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown ## Analysis During a north landing at a private airstrip, the airplane drifted left of centerline, and its left main landing gear struck a pile of dirt located on the left side of the approach end of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pile of dirt on the left edge of the runway was the result of construction at the airstrip. According to the pilot, the airstrip elevation rises to the north, and the last 600 feet has a 'dog-leg' to the right. He added that all pilots approach to the north over the left side of the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that the wind was calm, and he had landed at the airstrip in 'a Maule 5 times previously.' ## Factual narrative On May 1, 1999, approximately 0745 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, N95631, was substantially damaged during landing at a private airstrip near Marfa, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal cross-country flight. The aircraft was registered to a private individual, and operated by Gene's Flight School and Pilot Services of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The private pilot and his only passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated from the El Paso International Airport, El Paso, Texas, at 0645. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that during the approach to the private airstrip, the aircraft drifted left of centerline. During the landing to the north, the airplane's left main landing gear struck a pile of dirt, located on the left side of the approach end of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot further reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that the airstrip rises to the north and the last 600 feet has a "dog-leg" to the right. He added that all pilots approach to the north over the left side of the approach end of the runway. The pilot further reported that the pile of dirt on the left edge of the runway was a result of the airstrip's construction. The pilot also stated that he had landed at the airstrip in "a Maule 5 times previously." Examination of the aircraft by the FAA inspector revealed that the fuselage, firewall, vertical stabilizer, and wings were damaged. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N95631](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N95631), registered now, S/N 18266585, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 182Q - Registry model: [Cessna 182Q](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182q) (registry code 2072732) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18266585 - Airframe hours: 2690 - Engines: Continental O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Gene Dawson, doing business as Gene'S Flt School & Pilot Ser. - Registered owner: Jerry R. Hill - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 5, 1998, 95 hours before - Departed: ELP, EL PASO, TX - Destination: NONE - Airport: NONE, Cole Mine Ranch, runway 36, 1,600 × 60 ft, dirt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,800 total, 360 in this make and model, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 360° at 2 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 64 °F ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19990501004519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990501004519A), May 1, 1999: Cessna 182Q, Marfa, TX, Substantial damage. (-23)'See attachment' no attachment. From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.