On August 19, 2015, a CESSNA 172N N operated by KERMIT N CHICA was involved in an aviation accident near Kalispell, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with runway and taxiway lights and terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing, the airplane veered right, exited the runway, and struck lights. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to cross back over the runway and impact a drainage ditch, where the nose gear collapsed.
Landing and Runway Excursion
According to the pilot, during the landing the airplane touched down and veered to the right. The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway and struck runway and taxiway lights.
Overcorrection and Subsequent Impact
The pilot reported that he overcorrected with the rudder and brake, causing the airplane to turn to the left and cross back over the runway. The airplane then impacted a drainage ditch, where the nose landing gear collapsed.
Damage
As a result of the accident, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained
7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Aug 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident near Kalispell, MT?
During landing, the airplane veered right, exited the runway, and struck lights. The pilot overcorrected, causing the airplane to cross back over the runway and impact a drainage ditch, where the nose gear collapsed.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 2015 CESSNA 172N N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Aug 2015 involved a CESSNA 172N N, operated by KERMIT N CHICA, at Kalispell, MT.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's loss of directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with runway and taxiway lights and terrain.
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