No fatalities

Runway Overrun and Nose-Over After Long Landing Float (N99269)

Death Valley, CA, US

On February 26, 1999, a Cessna 172P (registration N99269) operated by M & S Air Supply Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Death Valley, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's use of an excessive approach reference speed and his misjudged distance/speed relationship to the runway, which resulted in a landing overrun. The pilot's failure to execute a timely go-around was also causal. 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 overflew the runway, then landed long due to floating, struck plastic posts at the end, and nosed over in soft dirt. Clear skies, calm wind, no mechanical issues reported.

Accident Summary

A pilot conducted an approach and landing after overflying the runway to check the windsock and runway surface. During the overflight, the pilot observed what appeared to be an overrun area at the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported that the landing flare was long, causing the aircraft to float down the runway. The aircraft was more than halfway down the runway before initial touchdown.

Pilot Actions and Decision-Making

The pilot stated that a lack of visual references and his belief that there was an overrun area at the departure end led him to accept the excessive float during the landing. After touchdown, the pilot noted that there was insufficient runway remaining to initiate a go-around. The pilot applied the brakes but was unable to stop the aircraft before it struck plastic posts at the end of the runway. The aircraft then continued into an area of soft dirt, where it nosed over.

Weather and Mechanical Conditions

The pilot reported that the weather conditions were clear skies, calm winds, and an approximate temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Feb 1999 Cessna 172P accident near Death Valley, CA?

A pilot overflew the runway, then landed long due to floating, struck plastic posts at the end, and nosed over in soft dirt. Clear skies, calm wind, no mechanical issues reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Feb 1999 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Feb 1999 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N99269, operated by M & S Air Supply Inc., at Death Valley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's use of an excessive approach reference speed and his misjudged distance/speed relationship to the runway, which resulted in a landing overrun. The pilot's failure to execute a timely go-around was also causal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00194. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.