N97685

On September 12, 1996, at 1050 central daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, N97685, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91, collided with a tree during the landing roll near Fayetteville, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Drake Field Airport at Fayetteville, Arkansas, 20 minutes before the accident.

During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, and on the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot reported that the private grass airstrip was about 1,900 feet long with an uphill gradient and portions of the runway aligned with trees about 50 to 60 feet in height. The pilot stated that the wind was light and variable. A final approach speed of 70 knots was maintained with full flaps extended for the landing. During the landing flare, "a gust from around the trees pitched the airplane up and it went further down the runway." With trees at the departure end of the runway, the pilot committed to the landing. The airplane touched down about mid-field in "slick, mowed grass, and as the brakes were applied, the airplane hydroplaned on the wet grass." The pilot attempted to ground loop the airplane in an effort to miss hitting the trees; however, the airplane slid sideways and the left wing struck a tree about 10 inches in diameter. Structural damage occurred at the firewall, engine mounts, and left wing.