No fatalities

Runway Overrun During Simulated Engine-Out Landing on Grass Strip (N5440H)

Vernonia, OR, US

On May 29, 2004, a Cessna 172M (registration N5440H) was involved in an aviation accident near Vernonia, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to remain too fast on final approach, leading to a long touchdown and inability to stop on the wet grass. 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

During a simulated engine-out forced landing demonstration, an instructor pilot landed long on a wet grass strip and overran the runway, colliding with a fence post.

Incident Overview

An instructor pilot was performing a demonstration of a simulated engine-out forced landing for a student pilot. The aircraft was on final approach to a 2,940-foot grass landing strip. The instructor allowed the airspeed to remain too fast during the approach.

Approach and Touchdown

Because the airspeed was higher than desired, the aircraft floated further down the runway during the flare than intended. The instructor was unable to achieve touchdown until approximately 1,000 feet of the runway had passed.

Runway Excursion

After touchdown on the wet grass, the instructor attempted to bring the aircraft to a stop before reaching the end of the runway. However, the stopping distance was insufficient, and the aircraft departed the far end of the runway. Following the overrun, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence post.

Contributing Factors

No further details regarding causal factors were provided in the source.

Probable cause

The instructor pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to remain too fast on final approach, leading to a long touchdown and inability to stop on the wet grass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 2004 Cessna 172M accident near Vernonia, OR?

During a simulated engine-out forced landing demonstration, an instructor pilot landed long on a wet grass strip and overran the runway, colliding with a fence post.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2004 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 2004 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N5440H, at Vernonia, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The instructor pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to remain too fast on final approach, leading to a long touchdown and inability to stop on the wet grass.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040608X00750. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.