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Airplane Noses Over Following Runway Overrun (N74LW)

Versailles, MO, US

On September 22, 2003, a Cessna 182P (registration N74LW) was involved in an aviation accident near Versailles, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot touched down with excessive airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the trees, the wet runway, the wet grass that the airplane traveled onto, and the ditch which the airplane contacted. 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

An airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over after overrunning a wet runway. The pilot reported a high approach with excessive speed, and the aircraft skidded off the runway into a ditch, collapsing the nose gear.

Accident Details

The airplane received substantial damage when it nosed over after an overrun landing. The pilot reported that the approach was higher than normal due to trees at the end of runway 7, and the airspeed was too fast. The runway, measuring 2,805 feet by 39 feet, was wet. After touchdown, the pilot applied brakes, causing the airplane to skid. The pilot released the brakes to correct the heading, then reapplied them. The aircraft continued off the runway end into wet grass, crossed an airport service road, and entered a ditch. Contact with the ditch caused the nose gear to collapse, and the airplane nosed over.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the approach was higher than desired because of trees at the departure end of runway 7. He further reported that his airspeed was too fast on approach. Upon landing, the wet runway surface led to skidding when brakes were applied. After releasing and reapplying brakes, the airplane was unable to stop within the runway length.

Runway Obstruction Information

The Airport Facility Directory notes trees as an obstruction for runway 7 at 3VS. According to AirNav.com, there are 23-foot-tall trees located 225 feet from the approach end of runway 7 and 40 feet to the right of the runway centerline. Additionally, brush and trees ranging from 1 to 18 feet in height are present 100 to 200 feet from the approach end.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 2003 Cessna 182P accident near Versailles, MO?

An airplane sustained substantial damage when it nosed over after overrunning a wet runway. The pilot reported a high approach with excessive speed, and the aircraft skidded off the runway into a ditch, collapsing the nose gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Sept 2003 Cessna 182P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 2003 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N74LW, at Versailles, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot touched down with excessive airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the trees, the wet runway, the wet grass that the airplane traveled onto, and the ditch which the airplane contacted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031015X01727. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.