FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Ice Accumulation and Pilot Fatigue Lead to Hard Landing Short of Runway (N79PK)

Bellingham, WA, US

On March 5, 1989, a Cessna 185 (registration N79PK) operated by Reginald T. Pfeiffer was involved in an aviation accident near Bellingham, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate decision to continue the flight into icing conditions while fatigued, which resulted in ice accumulation, loss of control, and a hard landing short of the runway. 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

A pilot fatigued from a long flight encountered significant ice accumulation, leading to an uncontrolled descent and a hard landing short of the runway during approach.

What happened

The aircraft was operating under conditions that led to the accumulation of ice on its exterior surfaces. The pilot reported experiencing fatigue resulting from the duration of the flight. A passenger observed the ice buildup, estimating it to be between one and two inches thick.

During the base-to-final turn of the approach, the airplane banked to approximately 30 degrees. Following this maneuver, the rate of descent increased significantly. The pilot was unable to arrest the excessive descent rate before the aircraft made contact with the ground. The airplane landed hard short of the runway and subsequently struck the approach lights before coming to a rest.

The investigation

The investigation relied on statements from the pilot and a passenger regarding the flight conditions and the physical state of the aircraft. No mechanical failure was identified as the primary factor; rather, the focus was on the environmental conditions and crew status.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate decision to continue the flight into icing conditions while fatigued, which resulted in ice accumulation, loss of control, and a hard landing short of the runway.
Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 1989 Cessna 185 accident near Bellingham, WA?

A pilot fatigued from a long flight encountered significant ice accumulation, leading to an uncontrolled descent and a hard landing short of the runway during approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 185, registration N79PK, operated by Reginald T. Pfeiffer, at Bellingham, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate decision to continue the flight into icing conditions while fatigued, which resulted in ice accumulation, loss of control, and a hard landing short of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28000. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.