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Casualties unknown

Pilot loses control after hard landing and bounce on short runway (N65994)

Snohomish, WA, US

On June 6, 1987, a Cessna 172P (registration N65994) operated by Galvin Ying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Snohomish, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to land on a short runway with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing, bouncing, and loss of control. 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

A pilot flying too fast and flaring early caused the aircraft to float, land hard, and bounce twice before departing the runway and striking a pole.

What happened

The pilot initiated an approach for landing on a runway measuring 2,650 feet in length. Wind conditions at the time included a quartering tailwind ranging from 11 to 18 knots. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft was flown at an excessive airspeed. The pilot flared prematurely, causing the aircraft to float down the runway rather than settling onto the pavement.

Upon finally making contact with the surface, the aircraft landed hard and bounced twice. Following these impacts, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. It departed the side of the runway and impacted a pole located on the shoulder.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing was substantially damaged as a result of the impact with the pole.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to land on a short runway with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing, bouncing, and loss of control.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 1987 Cessna 172P accident near Snohomish, WA?

A pilot flying too fast and flaring early caused the aircraft to float, land hard, and bounce twice before departing the runway and striking a pole.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 1987 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N65994, operated by Galvin Ying Service, Inc., at Snohomish, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper decision to land on a short runway with a quartering tailwind, which resulted in a hard landing, bouncing, and loss of control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31337. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.