"Mike W." wrote in message
...
there was a case here (OSU) where someone belly landed a 182RG in the
grass.
A couple of broken antennas was really the only damage to the fuselage.
they
tore the engine down because they landed with power, so the prop was a
little bent. It was back in the air within a few weeks.

While there is anecdotal evidence to support both sides, the runway still
gets the nod. Why? Runways are always smooth, ( questionable, here g)
while grass may have drainage cuts, culverts, lights, washed out areas, and
other things that could snag on a plane, and cause it to flip, cartwheel, or
tear things in a "messy" manner.
--
Jim in NC