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Unauthorized Flight of Cessna 172P Ends in Hard Landing and Nose-Over (N54956)

Harrison, AR, US

On March 9, 1992, a Cessna 172P (registration N54956) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrison, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Around 2300, unauthorized persons took a Cessna 172P from an FBO. The aircraft landed hard 90 feet short of the runway, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Occupants fled; beers were found. Minor injuries indicated.

Incident Overview

At approximately 2300, one or more unauthorized individuals entered a fixed-base operator (FBO) and took the keys to a Cessna 172P. The aircraft was subsequently flown without authorization.

Landing and Crash

Upon returning to the airport, the airplane landed hard, touching down about 90 feet short of the runway threshold. The impact caused the nose wheel to collapse. The forks of the collapsed nose gear dug into the ground, causing the airplane to nose over onto its back.

Recovery and Investigation

Local police discovered the wreckage at 0025 after being alerted by the local Flight Service Station (FSS) about an activated Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). The occupants of the airplane had left the scene on foot. Investigators found several open and unopened cans of beer inside the airplane. The identities of the occupants were never determined. Evidence indicated that at least one occupant suffered minor injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1992 Cessna 172P accident near Harrison, AR?

Around 2300, unauthorized persons took a Cessna 172P from an FBO. The aircraft landed hard 90 feet short of the runway, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Occupants fled; beers were found. Minor injuries indicated.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 1992 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1992 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54956, at Harrison, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER DESCENT RATE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14292. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.