Casualties unknown

Training Flight Ends in Runway Excursion and Nose-Over During Instrument Approach (N912LB)

Everett, WA, US

On February 9, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N912LB) was involved in an aviation accident near Everett, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the rime icing conditions, and the soft terrain encountered on the off runway rollout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A training flight for an instrument rating ended with a hard landing and nose-over after the aircraft encountered rime ice and the instructor took control on short final. No injuries reported.

Incident Overview

A private pilot under instruction (PUI) was conducting training toward an instrument rating, accompanied by a flight instructor pilot (IP). The flight had just executed a missed approach following the first instrument approach in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). During the missed approach maneuver, the aircraft began accumulating rime ice. The IP decided to terminate the flight and obtained radar vectors for an ILS approach to Runway 16R, which has a length of 9,010 feet.

Approach and Landing

The IP briefed the PUI on approach procedures, emphasizing the need to maintain higher than normal airspeeds down to touchdown. On short final, approximately 10–15 feet above ground, the PUI reduced power and began decelerating to 70–75 knots. At that moment, the left wing dropped and the aircraft landed hard on the left main landing gear, causing a bounce. The IP immediately took control of the aircraft but was unable to maintain directional control.

Runway Excursion and Nose-Over

The aircraft departed the left side of the runway and entered soft terrain. During the excursion, the nose landing gear dug into the ground, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. The incident occurred during daylight hours. There is no information about injuries or aircraft damage beyond the nose-over.

Probable Cause

The investigation did not state a probable cause for this incident.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Everett, WA?

A training flight for an instrument rating ended with a hard landing and nose-over after the aircraft encountered rime ice and the instructor took control on short final. No injuries reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N912LB, at Everett, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. Contributing factors were the rime icing conditions, and the soft terrain encountered on the off runway rollout.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030211X00197. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.