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Casualties unknown

Flight Instructors Abort Landing, Collide with Embankment During Biennial Flight Review (N20209)

Amelia, VA, US

On May 1, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N20209) operated by Wings & Nuts Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Amelia, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE THAT RESULTED IN AN LANDING OVERRUN AND COLLISION WITH AN EMBANKMENT. CONTRIBUTING WAS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO AROUND AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. 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

Two flight instructors attempted a short field landing on a 2,100-foot grass strip during a biennial flight review. After touching down, they aborted due to inadequate deceleration and insufficient runway, subsequently colliding with an embankment 350 feet past the runway end.

Accident Overview

During a biennial flight review, two flight instructors were aboard the airplane. The purpose of the flight was to conduct the review. The pilot attempted a short field landing on a 2,100-foot long grass runway. The approach speed was 70 mph with full flaps deployed.

Landing and Abort

A landing was made, but the airplane was not adequately decelerating and insufficient runway length remained. A decision was made to abort the landing. Engine power was increased to abort, and the airplane subsequently collided with an embankment approximately 350 feet past the end of the runway.

Witness Report

A witness reported that the airplane landed about halfway down the runway.

Post-Accident Examination

Post-accident examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 May 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Amelia, VA?

Two flight instructors attempted a short field landing on a 2,100-foot grass strip during a biennial flight review. After touching down, they aborted due to inadequate deceleration and insufficient runway, subsequently colliding with an embankment 350 feet past the runway end.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 May 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N20209, operated by Wings & Nuts Flying Club, at Amelia, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGEMENT OF DISTANCE AND ALTITUDE THAT RESULTED IN AN LANDING OVERRUN AND COLLISION WITH AN EMBANKMENT. CONTRIBUTING WAS FAILURE TO INITIATE A GO AROUND AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14580. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.