No fatalities

Runway Excursion During Simulated Engine Failure Practice (N54931)

Concord, NH, US

On January 7, 2001, a Cessna 172P (registration N54931) was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, NH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's improper decision to land downwind on the snow and ice covered runway with a tailwind, and his failure to perform a go-around. Factors in the accident were the tailwind and the snow and ice on 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

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a runway excursion and nose-over after a simulated engine failure approach and landing on a snow-covered runway.

Event Details

A flight instructor and a student pilot conducted a training flight departing from runway 35, which had patches of snow and ice. After climbing to 1,200 feet and leveling the airplane, the flight instructor directed the student to practice a simulated engine failure approach and landing.

The student pilot turned the airplane 270 degrees and aligned for landing on runway 12. The airplane touched down approximately halfway along the 3,200-foot runway and bounced back into the air. The flight instructor then assumed control and landed on the snow-covered runway. The airplane touched down about three-quarters of the way down the runway. As the instructor applied the brakes, the airplane skidded into a snowbank and nosed over.

Both pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. At the time of the incident, winds were from 320 degrees at 8 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jan 2001 Cessna 172P accident near Concord, NH?

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced a runway excursion and nose-over after a simulated engine failure approach and landing on a snow-covered runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jan 2001 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N54931, at Concord, NH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's improper decision to land downwind on the snow and ice covered runway with a tailwind, and his failure to perform a go-around. Factors in the accident were the tailwind and the snow and ice on the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010117X00314. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.