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Windshear Encounter on Takeoff Leads to Runway Overrun During Training Flight (N2720E)

Glenwood Spgs, CO, US

On July 8, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N2720E) operated by Strand Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Glenwood Spgs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE DUAL STUDENT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A FORCED LANDING. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, CFI, FAILED TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE OPERATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 short field takeoff training flight, an aircraft encountered windshear at midfield, lost altitude, and executed a straight-in landing that resulted in a runway overrun and fence strike.

Accident Details

A commercial pilot (CFI) was instructing a foreign certificated private pilot with one passenger on board. The CFI reported that the dual student was performing a short field takeoff on runway 32, a 3,305-foot by 50-foot asphalt runway. Winds at the time were reported as 030 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 13 knots.

Sequence of Events

According to the CFI, at midfield the aircraft had gained 50 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft was then struck by a windshear and began to lose altitude. The CFI took the controls, lowered the nose, and elected to land straight ahead. He stated that he 'turned off the engine' and 'added flaps.' The aircraft touched down with 200 feet of runway remaining.

Aftermath

The aircraft overran the runway, went through a fence, and came to rest 300 feet off the end of the runway.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Glenwood Spgs, CO?

During a short field takeoff training flight, an aircraft encountered windshear at midfield, lost altitude, and executed a straight-in landing that resulted in a runway overrun and fence strike.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Jul 1989 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2720E, operated by Strand Aviation, Inc., at Glenwood Spgs, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE DUAL STUDENT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CONTROL AND A FORCED LANDING. THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND, CFI, FAILED TO ADEQUATELY SUPERVISE THE OPERATION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28806. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.