Casualties unknown

Runway Departure During Practice ILS Approach Results in Aircraft Damage (N65312)

Fort Collins, CO, US

On April 8, 2000, a Cessna 172P (registration N65312) operated by Jeremy A. Hard was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout on a practice ILS approach, which resulted in a runway departure. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A light aircraft departed the runway during a practice instrument landing system approach due to swerving upon touchdown, striking lights and signage.

What happened

The incident occurred at the destination airport while the pilot was executing a cross-country flight. The specific phase of the operation involved conducting a practice Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach directed toward runway 33. Environmental conditions at the time indicated a wind direction from 180 degrees with a speed of 8 knots.

Upon initial contact with the runway surface, the aircraft deviated sharply to the right side. This deviation caused the airplane to leave the paved runway area entirely. As it exited the runway, the airframe collided with stationary infrastructure, specifically runway edge lighting fixtures and a sign located between the runway and taxiway areas.

The impact resulted in significant structural damage to several critical components of the aircraft. The right horizontal stabilizer sustained damage during the excursion. Additionally, the empennage assembly and the main landing gear were compromised by the collision with the ground obstacles.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout on a practice ILS approach, which resulted in a runway departure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20799. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.