No fatalities

Pilot Reports Excessive Speed and Altitude Before Runway Overrun on Grass Strip

Glenburn, ME, United States

On May 26, 2009, a CESSNA 172A was involved in an aviation accident near Glenburn, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported being too high and too fast on final approach, resulting in a runway overrun on a 1,900-foot grass strip. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage after going up an embankment.

Accident Details

The pilot landed on runway 01, a 1,900-foot-long grass runway. The airplane overran the end of the runway, went up an embankment, and sustained substantial damage to the firewall and the fuselage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that he was "too high, too fast on final." He did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane.

Conditions

The winds reported at an airport 6 miles to the south of the accident location were 210 degrees at 8 knots.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the firewall and the fuselage due to the overrun and subsequent impact with the embankment.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect use/operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 May 2009 CESSNA 172A accident near Glenburn, ME?

A pilot reported being too high and too fast on final approach, resulting in a runway overrun on a 1,900-foot grass strip. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage after going up an embankment.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 May 2009 CESSNA 172A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 May 2009 involved a CESSNA 172A, at Glenburn, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's misjudgment of distance and speed during landing.