Casualties unknown

Touch and Go Landing Ends with Runway Excursion and Nose Over (N2723E)

Boulder, CO, US

On June 7, 1990, a Cessna 172 (registration N2723E) operated by Thompson, John was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO TOUCH DOWN AT THE PROPER POINT, HIS MISJUDGMENT OF THE DISTANCE REQUIRED FOR TAKEOFF FOLLOWING THE TOUCH AND GO, AND HIS DELAYED DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. 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

A pilot performing touch and go landings on Runway 08 landed long on the second attempt, resulting in a runway excursion and nose-over after the aircraft rolled off the end of the runway down an embankment.

Accident Details

During a touch and go landing practice on Runway 08, the pilot completed the first landing successfully. On the second landing, the pilot stated that he "landed a bit too long," leaving insufficient runway for a subsequent takeoff. Consequently, he retarded the throttle and applied heavy braking. The aircraft continued off the end of the runway, rolled down an embankment, and nosed over.

Pilot Actions

The pilot, who had received his private pilot certificate several days before the accident, was conducting the touch and go landings as part of his flight operations. Upon recognizing the lack of remaining runway, he took immediate action by reducing power and applying maximum braking effort. Despite these efforts, the airplane was unable to stop before departing the runway surface.

Aftermath

The aircraft came to rest in a nose-over attitude after descending the embankment. No further details about the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source. The pilot's account forms the basis of this report.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jun 1990 Cessna 172 accident near Boulder, CO?

A pilot performing touch and go landings on Runway 08 landed long on the second attempt, resulting in a runway excursion and nose-over after the aircraft rolled off the end of the runway down an embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna 172, registration N2723E, operated by Thompson, John, at Boulder, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO TOUCH DOWN AT THE PROPER POINT, HIS MISJUDGMENT OF THE DISTANCE REQUIRED FOR TAKEOFF FOLLOWING THE TOUCH AND GO, AND HIS DELAYED DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.