Casualties unknown

Aircraft Rolls Inverted After Overshooting Runway and Hitting Embankment (N97594)

West Mifflin, PA, US

On November 10, 1984, a Cessna 172P (registration N97594) operated by Steel City Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near West Mifflin, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the loss of control and collision with terrain beyond the runway end. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

The aircraft landed long with excessive speed. The pilot attempted a go-around but could not gain enough altitude before the runway ended, leading to a crash into an embankment.

What happened

The aircraft touched down on the runway at a point significantly beyond the intended touchdown zone and with airspeed that was higher than normal for the phase of flight. Recognizing the insufficient remaining runway length, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure to climb away from the surface.

However, the aircraft failed to achieve adequate climbing performance. Before sufficient flying speed could be established to sustain a positive climb gradient, the aircraft reached the physical end of the paved surface. The runway terminated abruptly against a steep embankment. As the aircraft passed the pavement edge, it lost ground effect and aerodynamic efficiency.

The aircraft struck the terrain approximately 1,500 feet past the end of the runway threshold. Upon impact with the embankment, the aircraft rolled inverted and came to rest in that attitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the loss of control and collision with terrain beyond the runway end.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Nov 1984 Cessna 172P accident near West Mifflin, PA?

The aircraft landed long with excessive speed. The pilot attempted a go-around but could not gain enough altitude before the runway ended, leading to a crash into an embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Nov 1984 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N97594, operated by Steel City Flyers, at West Mifflin, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a go-around after a long landing, which resulted in the loss of control and collision with terrain beyond the runway end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41660. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.