No fatalities

Aircraft Ground Loops After Landing Long (N13686)

Orovada, NV, US

On September 22, 1990, a Cessna 172M (registration N13686) operated by T-craft Aero Club Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Orovada, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent loss of directional control while attempting to avoid runway overrun. 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

Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for landing. The approach speed was too fast and the aircraft landed long.

What happened

The pilot arrived at the intended destination and immediately entered the traffic pattern to prepare for a landing. During the final approach, the pilot noted that the airspeed was higher than optimal. Consequently, the aircraft touched down further down the runway than planned.

As the aircraft decelerated along the pavement, it became clear that there was not enough remaining distance to bring the airplane to a complete stop before the end of the available surface. To avoid overrunning the runway, the pilot made the decision to turn the aircraft off the paved area.

During this maneuver, the aircraft lost directional control and ground looped. The uncontrolled rotation caused one of the wings to strike the ground, resulting in damage to that wing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent loss of directional control while attempting to avoid runway overrun.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1990 Cessna 172M accident near Orovada, NV?

Upon arriving at the destination, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for landing. The approach speed was too fast and the aircraft landed long.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 1990 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1990 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N13686, operated by T-craft Aero Club Inc, at Orovada, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain proper airspeed during approach, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent loss of directional control while attempting to avoid runway overrun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24315. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.