Casualties unknown

1997-02-26: Cessna 152 (N48965) — College Place, WA

College Place, WA, US

On February 26, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N48965) was involved in an aviation accident near College Place, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The certified flight instructor's improper in-flight decision to continue the landing attempt and not perform a go-around, her failure to attain the proper touchdown point, and her failure to apply proper remedial action. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a CFI and student pilot attempted to land on a 2,600-foot paved airstrip. The airplane floated high on approach, touched down long, and overran the runway into soft terrain, striking a dirt berm and flipping inverted, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Sequence

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a training flight with the intention of landing on a 2,600-foot paved airstrip. During the final approach, the airplane was high on the glide path, prompting the CFI to place it into a slip. As the airplane neared the runway, it continued to float above the surface. The CFI chose not to execute a balked landing and instead attempted to land the airplane on the remaining runway length.

The airplane touched down at the opposite end of the runway, and the CFI applied the brakes. Despite braking, the airplane continued to roll beyond the runway end onto soft terrain. It subsequently impacted a dirt berm, nosed over, and flipped inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Investigation Findings

According to the pilot, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions were reported. The accident sequence highlights the decision to continue the landing despite a high and floating approach, resulting in a runway overrun.

Aircraft and Crew Information

The airplane was occupied by the CFI and the student pilot. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or engine configuration were provided in the source. The occupants were not reported to have sustained injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.