# NTSB investigations: Cessna 172S: Runway excursion

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 2 · 76 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB WPR26LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR26LA222.md): Cessna 172S · Death Valley, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 17, 2026 · N96FA · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and encounter with a tailwind while landing on a rough runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and subsequent nose over.
- [NTSB CEN26LA210](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA210.md): Cessna 172S · Colorado Springs, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2026 · N386SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with runway signs.
- [NTSB CEN26LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN26LA004.md): Cessna 172 · North La Junta, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Oct 2, 2025 · N617SP · Substantial damage
  > The solo student pilot’s improper landing flare and subsequent improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB ERA25LA311](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA311.md): Cessna 172 · Gaithersburg, MD · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 21, 2025 · N505LP · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s distraction during landing, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway excursion.
- [NTSB ERA24LA231](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA231.md): Cessna 172S · Pierson, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 26, 2024 · N1254D · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s failure to attain a proper touchdown point during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion during landing.
- [NTSB WPR24LA191](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA191.md): Cessna 172S · Prescott, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 18, 2024 · N17304 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing following an aborted takeoff which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
- [NTSB ERA24LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA192.md): Cessna 172 · Zelienople, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 20, 2024 · N684SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the gusting crosswind condition during landing.
- [NTSB ERA24LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA033.md): Cessna 172S · Orlando, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 10, 2023 · N91PF · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB CEN23LA421](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA421.md): Cessna 172S · Midland, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 22, 2023 · N391SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard, bounced landing, and the nose landing gear collapse.
- [NTSB CEN23LA354](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA354.md): Cessna 172S · Clewiston, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Aug 2, 2023 · N1403R · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing on the nose landing gear. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot.
- [NTSB CEN23LA159](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA159.md): Cessna 172S · Fredericksburg, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Apr 17, 2023 · N478SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an attempted go-around resulting in abnormal contact with the runway pavement and a runway excursion.
- [NTSB CEN23LA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA102.md): Cessna 172S · Limon, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 1, 2023 · N5163H · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB ERA22LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA087.md): Cessna 172S · Hazleton, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Dec 12, 2021 · N215LP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed on approach in tailwind conditions, which resulted in an extended touchdown, bounced landing, and runway excursion.
- [NTSB ERA21LA282](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA282.md): Cessna 172S · Mount Pocono, PA · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 25, 2021 · N5185U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s loss of aircraft control following a bounced landing.
- [NTSB CEN21LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA235.md): Cessna 172 · McAllen, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · May 22, 2021 · N999MA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a runway sign.
- [NTSB CEN21LA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA160.md): Cessna 172 · Watkins, CO · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Mar 17, 2021 · N786CP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff and the instructor pilot’s inadequate supervision of the pilot’s takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN20CA128](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20CA128.md): Cessna 172 · Denver, CO · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 18, 2020 · N1132W · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's incorrect right rudder application during a touch-and go-landing, which resulted in a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and a collision with a runway sign.
- [NTSB ERA20CA141](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20CA141.md): Cessna 172 · Ocean City, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 12, 2020 · N52232 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an attempted go-around to avoid birds, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA20CA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA20CA023.md): Cessna 172 · Louisville, KY · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 15, 2019 · N6097G · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in a porpoised landing, a subsequent hard landing on grass left of the runway, and a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the student’s self-imposed pressure to land the airplane
- [NTSB GAA19CA542](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA542.md): Cessna 172 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 12, 2019 · N796WW · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with runway signs while attempting to maneuver back onto the runway.
- [NTSB GAA19CA464](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA464.md): Cessna 172 · Westminster, MD · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2019 · N618PD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to continue the landing with the airplane high and fast during the approach, which resulted in a long landing and a subsequent runway overrun and nose-over.
- [NTSB GAA19CA225](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA225.md): Cessna 172 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 20, 2019 · N6023V · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper rudder inputs and failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a runway sign.
- [NTSB GAA19CA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA119.md): Cessna 172 · Sugar Land, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Dec 27, 2018 · N17SJ · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a sign.
- [NTSB GAA18CA505](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA18CA505.md): Cessna 172 · Churchville, MD · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 23, 2018 · N419SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing left of the runway centerline, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a power box.
- [NTSB GAA17CA337](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA337.md): Cessna 172 · Ravenna, OH · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 11, 2017 · N33FM · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor's failure to perform a go-around during final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to brief the student pilot on the positive transfer of…
- [NTSB GAA17CA248](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA248.md): Cessna 172S · Jean, NV · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 28, 2017 · N796SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s runway selection, which resulted in landing with a tailwind and an unstabilized approach and subsequent runway overrun.
- [NTSB GAA17CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA163.md): Cessna 172S · St Petersburg, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 1, 2017 · N22904 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s overcompensation of right rudder pedal application during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with runway signage and a fence.
- [NTSB GAA17CA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA014.md): Cessna 172 · Phoenix, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Oct 6, 2016 · N602ND · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control during a go-around and a runway excursion.
- [NTSB CEN16CA319](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16CA319.md): Cessna 172S · Arlington, TX · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 9, 2016 · N544SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB GAA16CA416](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA416.md): Cessna 172 · Palm Springs, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 3, 2016 · N5203H · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a nose over in rough terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA415](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA415.md): Cessna 172 · Kissimmee, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 30, 2016 · N1688C · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
- [NTSB GAA16CA295](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA295.md): Cessna 172 · Thomson, GA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 8, 2016 · N124CK · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's incorrect landing flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing, nose wheel collapse, and runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA219.md): Cessna 172 · Mesa, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · May 2, 2016 · N509ND · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing flare, which resulted in an abnormal runway contact, porpoise, nose gear collapse, runway excursion, and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA187](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA187.md): Cessna 172 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Mar 6, 2016 · N6023V · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the student pilot to maintain pitch control while landing, which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and runway excursion.
- [NTSB GAA16CA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA134.md): Cessna 172 · Newport News, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 17, 2016 · N35502 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, resulting in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
- [NTSB GAA16CA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA093.md): Cessna 172 · Newton, IA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jan 2, 2016 · N947SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion, and airplane nose over.
- [NTSB GAA16CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA052.md): Cessna 172S · Alcoa, TN · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 5, 2015 · N905CP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to identify the taxiway, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain while turning off the runway at night.
- [NTSB ERA15LA274](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15LA274.md): Cessna 172S · Linden, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 2015 · N962SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s delayed decision to reject the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly configure the flaps for maximum takeoff performance with the airplane near its maximum gross weight.
- [NTSB ERA15CA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA056.md): Cessna 172S · Sarasota, FL · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 12, 2014 · N60155 · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb, resulting in a runway excursion and substantial damage to the engine firewall. The student pilot's lack of overall flying experience was a factor.
- [NTSB WPR14CA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR14CA163.md): Cessna 172S · Everett, WA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 10, 2014 · N1152Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff, which resulted in the airplane veering off the runway surface and colliding with a sign.
- [NTSB ERA14CA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA127.md): Cessna 172S · Caldwell, NJ · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 17, 2014 · N426SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing.
- [NTSB ERA14CA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14CA124.md): Cessna 172S · Mansfield, MA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 15, 2014 · N2143X · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain an adequate approach glide path, which resulted in a collision with a snow bank.
- [NTSB WPR13CA397](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA397.md): Cessna 172S · Deer Valley, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 1, 2013 · N2134M · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's inadequate flare and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and failure to maintain control of the airplane during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's improper go-around procedures.
- [NTSB ERA13CA371](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA13CA371.md): Cessna 172S · Manassas, VA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2013 · N740SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
- [NTSB WPR13CA328](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA328.md): Cessna 172S · Redlands, CA · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 15, 2013 · N625SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's improper flare and unsuccessful attempt to correct a bounced landing, which resulted in the overrun landing.
- [NTSB WPR13CA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR13CA309.md): Cessna 172S · Monroe, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 5, 2013 · N686SP · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action that resulted in a runway excursion.
- [NTSB ERA12CA496](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12CA496.md): Cessna 172S · Culpeper, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 3, 2012 · N6276Z · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an attempted takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN12CA510](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12CA510.md): Cessna 172S · Oshkosh, WI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 1, 2012 · N462TR · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a collision with a runway light.
- [NTSB ERA12LA445](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA445.md): Cessna 172S · Allentown, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2012 · N680MA · Substantial damage
  > The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a touch-and-go takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and a subsequent impact with a gopher hole, and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot and his delayed…
- [NTSB WPR12CA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12CA251.md): Cessna 172S · Bend, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 9, 2012 · N698SP · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate crosswind correction, which resulted in a loss of airplane control and runway excursion into a berm.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2072439&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072439', '2072442')
    AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' s WHERE s.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND s.aircrafts_position = x.position AND s."tier2Number" = '300' AND s.case_mkey IN (SELECT case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_events.parquet' WHERE "isDefiningEvent")))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence?model=2072439

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