No fatalities

Airplane Overruns Runway, Comes to Rest in Marsh

Cedar Key, FL, United States

On October 8, 2012, a CESSNA 172P operated by Ultimate Air Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar Key, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway excursion. 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 performed a go-around after a high approach, then landed normally on the second attempt but overran the runway, veering left into a marsh. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its nose gear and firewall. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Approach and Landing

The pilot reported that during the first approach to the 2,355-foot-long, 100-foot-wide asphalt runway, the airplane was too high. He executed a go-around. On the second approach, the airplane touched down normally.

Runway Overrun

After touchdown, the pilot was unable to stop the airplane before the end of the runway. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway approximately 100 feet prior to the end and came to rest in a marsh area.

Damage and Examination

The airplane sustained substantial damage to its nose gear and firewall. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the left and right brakes. The examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Tire Marks

Tire marks that corresponded to the airplane were observed beginning at a point about 600 feet prior to the end of the runway.

Contributing factors

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 2012 CESSNA 172P accident near Cedar Key, FL?

A pilot performed a go-around after a high approach, then landed normally on the second attempt but overran the runway, veering left into a marsh. The airplane sustained substantial damage to its nose gear and firewall. No mechanical malfunctions were found.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Oct 2012 CESSNA 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 2012 involved a CESSNA 172P, operated by Ultimate Air Academy, at Cedar Key, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway excursion.