Casualties unknown

Airplane Overruns Runway After Landing Long on Short Strip (N9497B)

Pittsburgh, PA, US

On September 29, 1995, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9497B) operated by William John Alexander was involved in an aviation accident near Pittsburgh, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point and excessive airspeed which resulted in an overrun and a subsequent collision with a trailer off the departure end of the runway. 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

A pilot landed fast on a 2,534-foot runway without visual approach slope guidance, touching down well beyond the threshold. The aircraft overran, descended an embankment, and struck a trailer and building. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A pilot was landing on Runway 23, which measures 2,534 feet in length and is not equipped with a visual approach slope indicator. The aircraft first touched down approximately 800 feet from the departure end of the runway, then became airborne again before touching down a second time about 400 feet from the departure end.

Pilot Actions

The pilot applied heavy braking, but the airplane continued past the departure end of the runway. It then traveled down an embankment, impacting a trailer and a building. The pilot later stated, "I landed fast," and reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Weather Conditions

Winds were reported as calm at the time of the incident.

Conclusion

No probable cause was stated in the source material.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 1995 Cessna 172RG accident near Pittsburgh, PA?

A pilot landed fast on a 2,534-foot runway without visual approach slope guidance, touching down well beyond the threshold. The aircraft overran, descended an embankment, and struck a trailer and building. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 1995 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9497B, operated by William John Alexander, at Pittsburgh, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point and excessive airspeed which resulted in an overrun and a subsequent collision with a trailer off the departure end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.