Casualties unknown

1999-10-29: Cessna 172M (N5301E) — Most High Aviation — Pineville, LA

Pineville, LA, US

On October 29, 1999, a Cessna 172M (registration N5301E) operated by Most High Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Pineville, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's misjudgment of distance/speed during approach resulting in his failure to attain the proper touchdown point. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot executed a series of full-stop landings on a 3,000-foot hard-surface runway. On one landing, the airplane touched down about 900 feet from the departure end, leading to a runway overrun and collision with a ditch.

Accident Overview

A witness reported that during a series of full-stop landings on a hard-surface 3,000-foot runway, a solo student pilot approached 'high and fast with no flaps.' The airplane touched down approximately 900 feet from the departure end of the runway. The student pilot stated that after touchdown, he applied the brakes but 'did not feel the airplane slowing down.' Witnesses heard the braking action as the tires skidded two or three times. The airplane then exited the north end of the runway, went down an embankment, and struck a ditch.

Sequence of Events

The student pilot was conducting multiple full-stop landings. On the accident landing, the approach was high and fast, and the flaps were not deployed. The touchdown point was well beyond the runway threshold, leaving insufficient remaining runway length to stop. Despite brake application, the airplane did not decelerate as expected, and skidding tires indicated braking was occurring but without effective slowing. The airplane departed the runway surface, traversed an embankment, and ultimately collided with a ditch.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

The single-pilot operation involved a student pilot flying solo at the time of the incident. The specific aircraft type and registration are not provided in the source. No pre-existing mechanical issues with the brakes or other systems were reported.

Investigation Details

The investigation relied on witness accounts and the student pilot's statement. No analysis or conclusions beyond the factual sequence were included in the source. The event highlights the importance of proper approach planning and touchdown point management, though no specific causal factors were assigned by the investigators.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19963. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.