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NTSB Report
January 17, 2025 · Cessna 182 P · N21254
Smyrna, TN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 17, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Smyrna, TN
Aircraft
Cessna 182 P (1972)
Tail Number
N21254
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA104
While flying a visual approach to the runway at night, and in a gusting crosswind, the pilot turned from the base leg of the traffic pattern to final approach and corrected for the crosswind. The pilot transitioned from a crabbing crosswind correction to a slipping crosswind correction and noticed that he was below the glideslope for the runway as indicated by the precision approach pathway indicator lights. The pilot increased engine power to correct, but the airplane impacted the top of a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. He subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain an appropriate approach path, resulting in the airplane contacting a tree during a landing approach at night.
Full Narrative
While flying a visual approach to the runway at night, and in a gusting crosswind, the pilot turned from the base leg of the traffic pattern to final approach and corrected for the crosswind. The pilot transitioned from a crabbing crosswind correction to a slipping crosswind correction and noticed that he was below the glideslope for the runway as indicated by the precision approach pathway indicator lights. The pilot increased engine power to correct, but the airplane impacted the top of a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. He subsequently landed the airplane uneventfully. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time04:35 CST
Nearest AirportSMYRNA (1nm NW)
Runway14
Runway Length8038 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182 P
Tail NumberN21254
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470R · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
Wind190° @ 9 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 43 F
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time22:56
Weather SourceWFAC