N6344B

On March 2, 1996, at 1030 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182A, N6344B, nosed over during landing roll at Walsenburg, Colorado. The private pilot and passenger were not injured and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight departed Edgewood, New Mexico, at 0830.

According to the pilot, a normal landing was made from a left base at the destination airport. On touch down, the aircraft veered left and control inputs provided no relief to the left swerve. As the aircraft departed the side of the runway, the pilot said he elected to go around and power was added. The aircraft rolled across a grass area, struck a barb wire fence and then entered an area covered with sage brush. The nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over.

Examination of the aircraft by the pilot and an FAA inspector provided information that the left main tire was flat and the valve stem was missing. There was no observed damage to the left tire or rim.

Witness marks on the runway consisted of black scuff marks which departed the side of the runway into the grass area. The marks were consistent with the traced path of the aircraft.

Wind at the closest reporting station, 37 miles south of the accident site was from 320 degrees at 18 knots with gusts to 24 knots. Pilot reported wind at the accident site was 260 to 300 degrees estimated at 10 knots with minimal gusts.