Casualties unknown

Precautionary Landing Results in Runway Overrun and Gear Collapse at Remote Grass Airstrip (N12376)

Mackay, ID, US

On October 28, 1999, a Cessna 172M (registration N12376) was involved in an aviation accident near Mackay, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the 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

During a precautionary landing, an aircraft floated down a grass runway, was lifted by a gust after first touchdown, then overran the end and went over a 20-foot drop-off, collapsing the nose and one main gear.

Precautionary Landing and Float

The aircraft was making a precautionary landing at a remote grass airstrip. It did not touch down until after it had floated at least one-quarter of the way down the 5,000-foot-long grass runway.

Gust of Wind and Second Touchdown

After the initial touchdown, and before the pilot applied brakes, a gust of wind lifted the aircraft back into the air. The aircraft then touched down a second time.

Runway Overrun and Terrain

Following the second touchdown, the pilot applied maximum braking. However, the aircraft could not be stopped before it departed the end of the runway and went over a 20-foot drop-off. At the bottom of the drop-off, the aircraft encountered rough and uneven terrain.

Outcome

The encounter with the rough terrain resulted in a collapse of the nose gear and one main gear leg. The aircraft sustained damage from the gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Oct 1999 Cessna 172M accident near Mackay, ID?

During a precautionary landing, an aircraft floated down a grass runway, was lifted by a gust after first touchdown, then overran the end and went over a 20-foot drop-off, collapsing the nose and one main gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Oct 1999 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12376, at Mackay, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to land at the proper touchdown point. Factors include a wind gust, a grass runway, and a drop-off into rough terrain at the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20057. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.