Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overruns Runway and Enters Ditch on Icy Surface (N1802Z)

East Lansing, MI, US

On December 31, 1987, a Cessna 210-5 (registration N1802Z) operated by Michael D. Austin was involved in an aviation accident near East Lansing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing on an ice-covered runway with insufficient stopping distance available due to the displaced threshold. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft landing at night on a short, ice-covered runway was unable to stop, exited the departure end, crossed a road, and came to rest in a ditch.

What happened

The flight arrived at the airport during nighttime conditions. The pilot attempted to land on Runway 9, which has a total length of 2,530 feet but features a displaced threshold that reduces the available landing distance by 600 feet. Surface conditions were hazardous, with the runway covered in ice.

Meteorological data recorded 25 minutes prior to the incident at a reporting facility located five nautical miles west indicated winds from 160 degrees at 18 knots. These crosswind components and the slippery surface likely contributed to the aircraft's inability to decelerate effectively within the available pavement.

The aircraft failed to stop before reaching the end of the runway. It overran the departure end, traversed a nearby road, and ultimately came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the airfield.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing on an ice-covered runway with insufficient stopping distance available due to the displaced threshold.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 1987 Cessna 210-5 accident near East Lansing, MI?

An aircraft landing at night on a short, ice-covered runway was unable to stop, exited the departure end, crossed a road, and came to rest in a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 1987 involved a Cessna 210-5, registration N1802Z, operated by Michael D. Austin, at East Lansing, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing on an ice-covered runway with insufficient stopping distance available due to the displaced threshold.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32678. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.