Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of directional control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after conducting multiple uneventful landings, he was returning for a full stop landing. He stated that the touchdown on the main wheels was normal, but immediately after the nose wheel contacted the asphalt surface, the airplane veered sharply to the left, exited the improved runway surface, and encountered an area of soft sand. The nose wheel separated from the fuselage, and the airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The airplane's wreckage was disposed of without the National Transportation Safety Board's knowledge or consent. Because the airplane was not available for examination, it could not be determined if a mechanical failure or malfunction occurred.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 2018, about 1300 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182 airplane, N68AX, sustained substantial damage following a loss of directional control, a runway excursion and nose over while landing at Yerington Municipal Airport (O43), Yerington, Nevada. The airplane was registered to M & B Holdings, LLC and operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 when the accident occurred. The private pilot and pilot rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, after conducting multiple uneventful landings at O43 they were returning for a full stop landing. He reported that the touchdown on the main wheels was normal, but immediately after the nose wheel came in contact with the asphalt surface the airplane veered sharply to the left, exited the improved runway surface and encountered an area of soft sand. The nose wheel separated from the fuselage and the airplane subsequently nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer and rudder. The closest weather reporting facility was Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV), Minden, Nevada, about 28 miles west of the accident site. At 1253, an METAR from KMEV was reporting, in part: wind from 30°at 8 knots; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, clear; temperature, 66°F; dew point 39° F; altimeter, 30.19 inches of mercury. The airplane's wreckage was disposed of without the knowledge or consent of the NTSB. Therefore, the wreckage could not be examined by investigators.