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Casualties unknown

Cessna 172N N45678 Overruns Runway During Approach (N78203)

Kilbourne, OH, US

On November 8, 2003, a Cessna 172K (registration N78203) was involved in an aviation accident near Kilbourne, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway end. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172N overran the end of a turf runway after landing long, entering a plowed field and nosing over. The pilot reported no mechanical issues or adverse weather.

What happened

The aircraft was conducting an approach to a short, unpaved airstrip measuring 2,800 feet in length with a turf surface. During the landing phase, the pilot noted that the touchdown occurred further down the runway than intended. Despite efforts to decelerate, the airplane failed to come to a stop before reaching the runway threshold.

Continuing its momentum, the aircraft exited the paved or prepared surface and entered an adjacent plowed field. The forward motion caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the airplane nosing over. The pilot stated that wind conditions were calm at the time of the incident and confirmed there were no mechanical failures involved.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway end.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 2003 Cessna 172K accident near Kilbourne, OH?

A Cessna 172N overran the end of a turf runway after landing long, entering a plowed field and nosing over. The pilot reported no mechanical issues or adverse weather.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 2003 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N78203, at Kilbourne, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway end.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031202X01979. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.