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Misjudged Landing Distance Leads to Runway Excursion on Wet Grass (N579LD)

Millersburg, OH, US

On September 2, 2001, a Cessna U206G (registration N579LD) was involved in an aviation accident near Millersburg, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance, which resulted in an overrun during landing. Factors were the short, wet, grass runway, and his failure to do a go-around. 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 landing west on a wet 1,000-foot grass runway misjudged stopping distance, resulting in the airplane departing the runway into a cornfield.

Accident

The pilot reported having no braking effectiveness after landing to the west on a wet 1,000-foot-long grass runway. He stated that he misjudged the distance needed to stop, causing the airplane to go off the runway into a corn field.

Weather and Wind

Weather reported at an airport approximately 19 nautical miles away indicated winds from 060 degrees at 4 knots. The pilot, however, reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident.

Performance Data

Interpolation of performance data from the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) showed that with flaps extended to 40 degrees, power off, and maximum braking applied on a dry grass runway, the airplane's ground roll would be approximately 1,068 feet in calm wind. With a 4-knot tailwind, the ground roll would be approximately 1,260 feet.

Pilot Statement

When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot said, "Could have powered up and went around." He also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Sept 2001 Cessna U206G accident near Millersburg, OH?

A pilot landing west on a wet 1,000-foot grass runway misjudged stopping distance, resulting in the airplane departing the runway into a cornfield.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Sept 2001 Cessna U206G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Sept 2001 involved a Cessna U206G, registration N579LD, at Millersburg, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance, which resulted in an overrun during landing. Factors were the short, wet, grass runway, and his failure to do a go-around.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010914X01945. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.