No fatalities

Student Pilot Reports Runway Excursion After Firm Landing

Carbondale, IL, United States

On May 18, 2016, a CESSNA 172 N operated by SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY was involved in an aviation accident near Carbondale, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inadequate flare which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot reported a flat, firm landing that led to a runway excursion; the airplane veered left and stopped abruptly when the nose wheel stuck in mud.

Incident Overview

A solo student pilot reported an unusual landing event during his second supervised solo flight. According to the pilot, the airplane touched down flat and firm, contrary to a normal landing flare. Immediately following touchdown, he heard a loud roaring sound, and the airplane veered to the left side of the runway. The nose wheel subsequently became stuck in mud, causing the aircraft to stop abruptly.

Pilot's Account

The student pilot stated that he may have inadvertently advanced the throttle after being pushed forward during the flat landing. He noted that no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine were present that would have precluded normal operation.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident inspection revealed substantial damage to the firewall. No other damage details were provided in the pilot's report.

Investigation Status

The incident was reported and documented based solely on the student pilot's account. No further investigation findings or conclusions have been released.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationPilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident near Carbondale, IL?

A solo student pilot reported a flat, firm landing that led to a runway excursion; the airplane veered left and stopped abruptly when the nose wheel stuck in mud.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 2016 CESSNA 172 N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 N, operated by SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, at Carbondale, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inadequate flare which resulted in a hard landing, loss of directional control, and a runway excursion.