IAD01LA045

The pilot performed an approach to runway 30. During the landing flare, the airplane drifted to the right of the runway and impacted a tree. The pilot stated that he miscalculated the "buffeting" of the airplane during the flare, and reported there were no mechanical deficiencies. The winds reported at the time of the accident at an airport 10 miles to the northwest, were from 300 degrees at 14, gusting to 22 knots.

On April 18, 2001, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182N, N9174G, was substantially damaged during a landing at Dave's Aerodrome (7NJ9), Cedarville, New Jersey. The certificated airline transport pilot and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight that originated at Red Lion Airport (N73), Vincentown, New Jersey, and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said:

"On the 18th of Apr 01 I was attempting a landing at Dave's Airfield at Cedarville, Cumberland County, NJ. The wind was right down runway 30. I was flying a Cessna 182N (N9174G) with a Robertson STOL kit installed.

Flew normal pattern, on final approach as I initiated the flare for landing the aircraft was buffeted by a strong gust from the left that threw the aircraft to the right where the right wing engaged a tree and the wheels touched down on the right side of the runway at the same time.

Aircraft received substantial damage. Neither pilot nor passenger was injured."

In a subsequent telephone interview, the pilot reported that he miscalculated the "buffeting" of the airplane during the flare in windy conditions. He stated the winds were "right down the runway" at 15-20 knots, and reported no mechanical deficiencies of the airplane.

According to a witness at the airport, the pilot performed a normal approach to runway 30; however, during the landing flare, he failed to maintain centerline alignment. The airplane drifted to the right of the runway, the right wing struck a tree, and the airplane turned 70 degrees. According to the witness, the airplane did not touch down, and a go-around was not attempted. He reported that the winds were "right down the runway," at 12-15 knots.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.

The pilot reported about 15,000 hours of total flight time, and 335 hours in make and model.

Runway 30 at Dave's Aerodrome was 2,000 feet long and 60 feet wide.

The winds reported at Millville Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey, 10 miles to the northwest, at 1554, were from 300 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots.