No fatalities

Pilot's First Cessna 172 Flight Ends in Nose Gear Collapse After Runway Excursion (N901ZZ)

Ashland, VA, US

On January 15, 1989, a Cessna 172N (registration N901ZZ) operated by Hanover Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING LANDING AND THE FAILURE TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED DURING THE GO-AROUND TO INITIATE A CLIMB. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On his first flight in a Cessna 172 since check-in, a pilot experienced a float and yaw after touchdown, leading to a go-around attempt that failed due to ground effect. The aircraft veered left, nosed over in soft terrain, collapsing the nose gear.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting his first flight and landing in a Cessna 172 since checking in this make and model reported that after touchdown, the aircraft began to float and yaw to the left. The pilot had used full flaps and maintained an approach speed of 60 knots.

Go-Around Attempt

To recover from the unexpected floating and yaw, the pilot applied full power to initiate a go-around. However, the aircraft was unable to climb out of ground effect. The pilot stated that the aircraft continued toward the airport ramp, prompting him to cut power.

Runway Excursion and Nose Gear Collapse

After reducing power, the aircraft touched down approximately 200 feet left of the runway in soft terrain. Upon landing, the nose gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to nose over. The pilot reported that there was no malfunction of the aircraft.

Pilot Experience

This was the pilot's first flight and landing in a Cessna 172 since he checked in this make and model of aircraft. The pilot used full flaps and an approach speed of 60 knots throughout the approach and landing sequence.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jan 1989 Cessna 172N accident near Ashland, VA?

On his first flight in a Cessna 172 since check-in, a pilot experienced a float and yaw after touchdown, leading to a go-around attempt that failed due to ground effect. The aircraft veered left, nosed over in soft terrain, collapsing the nose gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Jan 1989 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N901ZZ, operated by Hanover Aviation, at Ashland, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING LANDING AND THE FAILURE TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED DURING THE GO-AROUND TO INITIATE A CLIMB.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27544. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.