N2493Q

On May 1, 2004, about 0630 mountain standard time, a Cessna 182K, N2493Q, experienced a hard landing and veered off the runway at the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona Cloud Busters, Inc., was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal cross-country flight departed Stellar Airpark, Chandler, Arizona, about 0600, with a planned stop at Phoenix Deer Valley airport, and a final destination at the Double Eagle II Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that upon entering the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport's proximity, he received the current weather surface observations via the automated terminal information system (ATIS), which reported winds from 030 degrees at 10 knots. The air traffic control tower cleared him to land on runway 07R, and he continued on a standard stabilized approach. As the airplane crossed the displaced threshold, the pilot intended to level off about 10 feet above ground level in an effort to let the airspeed gradually slow down. The airplane continued in a descent faster than the pilot anticipated, and the airplane hit the runway surface hard. The airplane bounced back into the air, and the pilot attempted to recover by adding power and lowering the nose. The airplane touched down on the nose wheel hard and began to porpoise down the runway, veering to the right. The pilot attempted to obtain control of the airplane by applying rudder and aileron control inputs. The airplane continued off of the runway into a dirt area and impacted a taxiway sign. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for Phoenix Deer Valley at 0653 reported winds from 010 degrees at 10 knots and visibility at 10 statute miles.