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Casualties unknown

Nose gear collapse after landing on gravel runway (N5227K)

Birmingham, AL, US

On September 22, 1985, a Cessna 172P (registration N5227K) operated by A.g. Emslie was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and adequate braking distance on a runway with poor surface conditions, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and sustaining damage to the nose gear. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft landed short on a turf runway with loose gravel, resulting in poor braking and a subsequent impact with rough terrain beyond the runway end.

What happened

During the arrival phase, the pilot observed wind conditions from approximately 150 degrees. Due to terrain and obstructions near the northeast end of the runway, he elected to land on runway 4. The aircraft floated before touching down about one-third to one-half of the way down the runway. The pilot applied maximum braking; however, braking action was poor due to loose gravel on the turf runway. Subsequently, the aircraft hit rough terrain beyond the end of the runway and the nose gear collapsed.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the landing dynamics and surface conditions. The aircraft touched down in the middle section of the runway. Braking efficiency was significantly reduced by the loose gravel on the turf surface. The impact with rough terrain beyond the runway end resulted in structural damage to the nose gear.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and adequate braking distance on a runway with poor surface conditions, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and sustaining damage to the nose gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1985 Cessna 172P accident near Birmingham, AL?

Aircraft landed short on a turf runway with loose gravel, resulting in poor braking and a subsequent impact with rough terrain beyond the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5227K, operated by A.g. Emslie, at Birmingham, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and adequate braking distance on a runway with poor surface conditions, which resulted in the aircraft overrunning the runway and sustaining damage to the nose gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37691. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.