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Flight Instructor and Student Experience Runway Excursion and Nose-Over During Touch-and-Go Training (N5204K)

Idaho Falls, ID, US

On February 3, 2005, a Cessna 172N (registration N5204K) operated by Avcenter, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Idaho Falls, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. A contributing factor was the deep snow beside the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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

During touch-and-go landings on runway 35, a student unexpectedly added full power after touchdown, causing the aircraft to jerk left. The instructor's attempts to correct were insufficient, leading to a runway excursion into deep snow and a nose-over.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting touch-and-go landing training on runway 35. The incident occurred on the second landing of the session. According to the instructor, the landing was smooth, and he was providing a critique of the student's performance when the student unexpectedly applied full power. This action caused the aircraft to jerk sharply to the left.

Sequence of Events

The instructor immediately reduced engine power and applied the brakes, but was unable to prevent the aircraft from departing the runway surface. As the nose wheel entered an area of snow beside the runway, reported to be approximately one and a half feet deep, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Damage

The accident resulted in structural damage to the outboard left wing, the vertical stabilizer, and the wing struts. No other damage was reported.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Feb 2005 Cessna 172N accident near Idaho Falls, ID?

During touch-and-go landings on runway 35, a student unexpectedly added full power after touchdown, causing the aircraft to jerk left. The instructor's attempts to correct were insufficient, leading to a runway excursion into deep snow and a nose-over.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Feb 2005 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Feb 2005 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N5204K, operated by Avcenter, Inc., at Idaho Falls, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight. A contributing factor was the deep snow beside the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050302X00256. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.