Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Collides with Fence After Touch-and-Go Clearance at Busy Airport (N757YK)

Fargo, ND, US

On December 23, 1991, a Cessna 152 (registration N757YK) operated by Flight Training, Ltd was involved in an aviation accident near Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INTERPRETATION OF INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST, AND THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION(S). 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 student pilot, after being cleared for a touch-and-go landing at a busy airport, fumbled the radio mic and proceeded with the maneuver, but had insufficient runway remaining to become airborne, resulting in a collision with a fence.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducting a landing at a busy airport experienced a runway excursion after attempting a touch-and-go maneuver. The aircraft collided with a fence beyond the departure end of the runway.

Sequence of Events

According to the investigation, the student pilot initially requested a touch-and-go landing. The air traffic controller instructed the pilot to perform a full-stop landing and advised that she would be told when to depart. Subsequently, the controller cleared another aircraft to land behind the accident airplane on the same runway, and cleared a third aircraft for a low approach on a runway that intersected the departure end of the accident runway.

Shortly after the student pilot touched down, the controller issued a clearance for a touch-and-go. The student pilot attempted to respond but fumbled the radio microphone. Believing she had been cleared, the student pilot elected to proceed with the touch-and-go. However, there was insufficient runway remaining to become airborne, and the aircraft overran the runway and collided with a fence.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the fence. No further information about injuries or other consequences was provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Dec 1991 Cessna 152 accident near Fargo, ND?

A student pilot, after being cleared for a touch-and-go landing at a busy airport, fumbled the radio mic and proceeded with the maneuver, but had insufficient runway remaining to become airborne, resulting in a collision with a fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Dec 1991 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757YK, operated by Flight Training, Ltd, at Fargo, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INTERPRETATION OF INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED BY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST, AND THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION(S). FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE THE CONFUSING COMMUNICATIONS BY THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST, AND THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE BY THE PILOT IN THIS TYPE OF…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18560. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.