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Aircraft Overruns Runway and Enters River Following High-Speed Approach (N1407F)

Bay City, MI, US

On October 14, 1989, a Cessna 172H (registration N1407F) was involved in an aviation accident near Bay City, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to maintain a high approach speed due to windshear concerns, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain/water. 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

An aircraft departed the end of a short runway after a high-speed approach intended to counter windshear concerns, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.

What happened

The pilot initiated an approach to a runway with a length of 2,600 feet. Due to a prior advisory regarding windshear, the pilot elected to maintain an approach speed of 90 mph. This decision resulted in the aircraft touching down further down the runway than originally planned. Attempting to stop the aircraft within the remaining distance, the pilot was unable to bring it to a halt before reaching the end of the paved surface.

The aircraft continued past the runway threshold, traveled up and over a dike, and ultimately landed in the adjacent river. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe. Despite the severity of the accident, there were no injuries reported to either the pilot or the passenger on board.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to this accident were the high approach speed maintained due to windshear concerns and the subsequent runway overrun. The excessive speed prevented the aircraft from stopping within the available runway length, leading to the departure from the airport environment.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to maintain a high approach speed due to windshear concerns, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain/water.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 1989 Cessna 172H accident near Bay City, MI?

An aircraft departed the end of a short runway after a high-speed approach intended to counter windshear concerns, resulting in substantial damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Oct 1989 Cessna 172H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 1989 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N1407F, at Bay City, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to maintain a high approach speed due to windshear concerns, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with terrain/water.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29566. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.