FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control During Landing, Airplane Noses Down (N65490)

Alma, MI, US

On March 16, 1995, a Cessna 172 (registration N65490) was involved in an aviation accident near Alma, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action during the approach to landing/landing roll. Related factors are the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, the dual student's wrong runway selection, the tailwind, and the dual student's failure to… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

During a dual instruction landing, the airplane veered off the runway and nosed down. The flight instructor cited left brake malfunction, but investigation found no evidence of such.

Incident Overview

A dual student pilot was handling the controls for a landing when, after touchdown, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway and nosed down. The flight instructor reported that he was unable to regain directional control due to a mechanical malfunction of the left brake. However, a postaccident investigation revealed no evidence of any brake malfunction.

Witness Account

A witness observed the approach, stating that the airplane came in high and fast, with a gusting tailwind. According to the witness, the airplane touched down approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway.

Investigation Findings

The postaccident examination focused on the left brake system but found no indications of malfunction or failure. The discrepancy between the instructor's report and the physical evidence remains unexplained in the investigation.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 1995 Cessna 172 accident near Alma, MI?

During a dual instruction landing, the airplane veered off the runway and nosed down. The flight instructor cited left brake malfunction, but investigation found no evidence of such.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Mar 1995 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 1995 involved a Cessna 172, registration N65490, at Alma, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action during the approach to landing/landing roll. Related factors are the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, the dual student's wrong runway selection, the tailwind, and the dual student's failure to attain the proper touchdown point.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03100. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.