Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Touch-and-Go Landing Ends in Nose-Over After Runway Excursion (N9439B)

Larimore, ND, US

On January 21, 1989, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9439B) operated by University OF North Dakota was involved in an aviation accident near Larimore, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, HIS DELAY IN CONFIGURING THE AIRCRAFT & EXECUTING THE GO-AROUND, ICY/SNOWY RUNWAY CONDITIONS, AND THE… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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

During a touch-and-go landing on a 2800-foot runway covered with packed snow and ice, a student pilot landed long, leaving only 800 feet. The CFI took control and attempted to stop, but the airplane slid into a snow bank and nosed over.

Incident Details

A student pilot, under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI), was performing a touch-and-go landing on Runway 12. The runway measured 2,800 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Weather conditions included a south wind at 10 knots.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot landed long, and by the time the aircraft was reconfigured for takeoff, only approximately 800 feet of runway remained. The CFI anticipated that the student would stop and taxi back for takeoff; however, the student advanced the throttle for takeoff. At that moment, the CFI took control of the aircraft, closed the throttle, and attempted to stop.

Due to the packed snow and ice covering the runway, the aircraft slid to the left, colliding with a snow bank beside the runway. The collision caused the aircraft to nose over.

Conditions

The runway surface was covered with packed snow and ice, which reduced braking effectiveness. The wind was from the south at 10 knots. No further details regarding the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 1989 Cessna 172RG accident near Larimore, ND?

During a touch-and-go landing on a 2800-foot runway covered with packed snow and ice, a student pilot landed long, leaving only 800 feet. The CFI took control and attempted to stop, but the airplane slid into a snow bank and nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9439B, operated by University OF North Dakota, at Larimore, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO ATTAIN A PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, HIS DELAY IN CONFIGURING THE AIRCRAFT & EXECUTING THE GO-AROUND, ICY/SNOWY RUNWAY CONDITIONS, AND THE SNOWBANK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27576. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.