Casualties unknown

Pilot Overruns Runway After Late Touchdown and Go-Around Decision (N55164)

Sterling, MA, US

On September 20, 1994, a Cessna 172P (registration N55164) was involved in an aviation accident near Sterling, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged landing distance, which resulted in an overrun of the runway. A factor is the pilot's failure to do a go-around. 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

On his second approach, a private pilot landed long on a runway, was unable to stop, and the airplane departed the runway, flipped over, and went down an embankment. The pilot had received his certificate 19 days earlier.

Accident Overview

According to the pilot, during his first approach to the runway, the airplane was too high, prompting a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane touched down approximately halfway to two-thirds down the runway. The pilot was unable to bring the airplane to a stop within the remaining distance.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane neared the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to turn the aircraft. However, the airplane departed the runway end, flipped over, and went down an embankment. The pilot reported that after touchdown, he believed he would be able to stop on the remaining runway and therefore did not perform a second go-around.

Pilot Background

The pilot had received his private pilot certificate 19 days prior to the accident. No further details about the pilot, aircraft, or location were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1994 Cessna 172P accident near Sterling, MA?

On his second approach, a private pilot landed long on a runway, was unable to stop, and the airplane departed the runway, flipped over, and went down an embankment. The pilot had received his certificate 19 days earlier.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N55164, at Sterling, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misjudged landing distance, which resulted in an overrun of the runway. A factor is the pilot's failure to do a go-around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02344. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.