Casualties unknown

Airplane Overtuns Runway, Strikes Fences and Ditches, Flips During Landing (N679SP)

Malad City, ID, US

On April 23, 2006, a Cessna 172 S (registration N679SP) operated by Air Center OF Salt Lake was involved in an aviation accident near Malad City, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The private pilot's improper touchdown point during landing and the certified flight instructors delayed remedial action. Ditches and fences were factors in the accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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 high approach resulted in a runway overrun where the airplane struck fences, ditches, and flipped upside down. The private pilot and commercial pilot/CFI were on board.

Accident Details

During a landing attempt, the airplane touched down far along the runway after a high approach. According to a statement from the private pilot at the controls, the point of touchdown left insufficient runway to execute a missed approach. Both the private pilot and the commercial pilot/certified flight instructor (CFI) applied the brakes firmly, causing the wheels to lock. The airplane skidded off the end of the runway.

Sequence of Events

After departing the runway surface, the airplane passed through a barbed wire fence and struck a ditch. The impact with the ditch launched the aircraft across a road. Subsequently, the airplane went through another fence and struck a second ditch, which caused the aircraft to flip upside down.

Pilot Statements

The private pilot stated that after the high approach, "[we] both slammed on the brakes and started skidding off the end of the runway. We went through a barbed wire fence and hit a ditch. Hitting the ditch launched the aircraft over a road. We went through another fence and hit another ditch, flipping the aircraft upside down."

The commercial pilot/CFI reported that the airplane was too high during the approach. He noted that just as he was about to instruct a go-around, "the wheels touched down and the tires started to lockup."

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved a high approach, late touchdown, brake application leading to wheel lockup, and a runway overrun resulting in multiple impacts and the airplane coming to rest inverted. No further information is available regarding aircraft damage or occupant status.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 2006 Cessna 172 S accident near Malad City, ID?

A high approach resulted in a runway overrun where the airplane struck fences, ditches, and flipped upside down. The private pilot and commercial pilot/CFI were on board.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 2006 involved a Cessna 172 S, registration N679SP, operated by Air Center OF Salt Lake, at Malad City, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The private pilot's improper touchdown point during landing and the certified flight instructors delayed remedial action. Ditches and fences were factors in the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060525X00627. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.