Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands on Wet Turf, Aircraft Noses Over (N1319Y)

Fall City, WA, US

On June 11, 1997, a Cessna 172C (registration N1319Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Fall City, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. The soft, wet terrain was a related factor. 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

Despite a 1,600-foot paved runway, a pilot chose to land on a wet and soft turf overrun area. The aircraft touched down in a water-filled rut, veered left, and nosed over when the nose gear dug into the soft ground.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's account, the runway had a 1,600-foot paved surface available for landing, but the pilot elected to land on the turf extension/overrun area instead. The week prior to the incident, the area had experienced extensive rainfall, leaving the turf portion of the runway wet and soft.

Landing and Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that the aircraft touched down on the left side of the runway, specifically in a tire rut that contained standing water. Upon touchdown, the aircraft was pulled further to the left. Subsequently, the nose gear dug into the soft ground, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Conditions

The turf area's condition was described as wet and soft due to the previous week's rains. The presence of standing water in a tire rut contributed to the loss of directional control after landing. No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or damages were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jun 1997 Cessna 172C accident near Fall City, WA?

Despite a 1,600-foot paved runway, a pilot chose to land on a wet and soft turf overrun area. The aircraft touched down in a water-filled rut, veered left, and nosed over when the nose gear dug into the soft ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna 172C, registration N1319Y, at Fall City, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. The soft, wet terrain was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08250. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.