Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees After Upslope Landing on Short Runway (N1651U)

Center Island, WA, US

On September 30, 1988, a Cessna 207 (registration N1651U) was involved in an aviation accident near Center Island, WA. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an upslope landing on a 1700-ft one-way runway, variable winds with northerly gusts caused the aircraft to float beyond the intended touchdown point. The pilot delayed initiating a go-around and was unable to stop, resulting in a collision with trees and brush beyond the runway end.

Accident Details

The pilot was conducting a landing on a one-way runway that was 1,700 feet long and sloped uphill. Wind conditions at the time were variable and changing, ranging from calm to gusts from the north. The pilot reported that a northerly gust occurred during the landing.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft approached the runway, it floated beyond the desired touchdown point. The pilot delayed initiating a go-around, continuing the landing attempt. Eventually, the pilot realized that a go-around was no longer possible. The aircraft continued its landing roll but was unable to stop on the remaining runway. It subsequently ran off the end of the runway and struck trees and brush beyond.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest after impacting the trees and brush. The report does not specify injuries, damage, or any further details about the aircraft or occupants.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26949. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.