No fatalities

CFI Misjudges Touchdown During Simulated Emergency Landing (N24394)

Greenville, IL, US

On May 22, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N24394) operated by Charles A. Bunting was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The CFI misjudged the touchdown point. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 CFI conducting a biennial flight review for a commercial pilot misjudged the touchdown point while landing on a private turf airstrip, resulting in a landing short of the runway in a wheat field. No mechanical issues were found.

Incident Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was administering a biennial flight review to a commercial pilot. During the review, the CFI directed the commercial pilot to simulate an emergency landing at a nearby private turf airstrip.

Approach and Landing

On final approach to the airstrip, the CFI determined that the airplane was too high for the field. He took control of the airplane from the commercial pilot to complete the landing. The CFI then misjudged the touchdown point, causing the airplane to land in a wheat field short of the runway. The CFI reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the landing.

Post-Inspection

A post-crash inspection of the airplane was conducted, along with an engine test run. These examinations revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Probable cause

The CFI misjudged the touchdown point.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 1991 Cessna 152 accident near Greenville, IL?

A CFI conducting a biennial flight review for a commercial pilot misjudged the touchdown point while landing on a private turf airstrip, resulting in a landing short of the runway in a wheat field. No mechanical issues were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 1991 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 1991 involved a Cessna 152, registration N24394, operated by Charles A. Bunting, at Greenville, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The CFI misjudged the touchdown point.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16965. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.