Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands Long on Snowy Airstrip, Noses Over (N5664Y)

Laramie, WY, US

On October 25, 1996, a Maule M-7-235 (registration N5664Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Laramie, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his misjudged speed/distance on final approach for landing, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing. 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 returning to his private airstrip after encountering deteriorating weather landed long in low visibility, departed the runway, went through a fence, and nosed over in a ditch.

Flight and Deteriorating Weather

A pilot was en route from Laramie, Wyoming, to Boulder, Colorado, when weather conditions worsened. Faced with deteriorating weather, the pilot decided to reverse course and return to his private airstrip.

Arrival and Landing Conditions

Upon arrival back at the airstrip, the pilot encountered snow, low ceilings, and obscured visibility. Despite these conditions, he elected to land. He estimated visibility at approximately one-quarter mile.

Landing and Runway Excursion

The pilot was fast on final approach and subsequently landed long on the runway. Unable to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway surface, the aircraft departed the airstrip, went through a fence, and continued into a ditch. As it rolled through the ditch, the aircraft nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 1996 Maule M-7-235 accident near Laramie, WY?

A pilot returning to his private airstrip after encountering deteriorating weather landed long in low visibility, departed the runway, went through a fence, and nosed over in a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 1996 involved a Maule M-7-235, registration N5664Y, at Laramie, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

VFR flight by the pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), his misjudged speed/distance on final approach for landing, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point during the landing. Factors relating to the accident include snow, low ceilings, obscured visibility, and a fence and ditch off the…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06985. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.