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Runway Overrun and Tree Impact Following Landing Attempt

Hungry Horse, MT, United States

On July 2, 2016, a CESSNA 182 L operated by WINDJOX LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Hungry Horse, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable wet terrain, and his failure to stop prior to the end of the runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with tree(s). 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, who had previously landed at the airstrip without issue, made two landing attempts. The second ended with the airplane touching down 500 feet down the 3000-foot runway, failing to stop, overrunning into trees, and sustaining substantial damage. The pilot noted wet grass and 7-inch tall grass after exiting.

Accident Overview

A pilot attempted to land at an airstrip he had previously used without difficulty in September 2015. The airstrip was approximately 3000 feet long, but the pilot reported that about 400 feet of the runway was unusable for landing due to its rough surface.

Landing Attempts

During the first landing attempt, the pilot found his approach speed too fast and executed a go-around. On the second approach, he estimated his speed at about 80 miles per hour. The airplane touched down approximately 500 feet past the runway threshold. The pilot applied the brakes but was unable to bring the airplane to a stop before reaching the end of the runway. The airplane overran the runway and struck trees, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation.

Post-Accident Observations

After the pilot and passenger exited the wreckage, the pilot observed that the grass runway was wet from morning dew and the grass was about 7 inches tall.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotSurface speed/braking — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

  • 20 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 12 Jul 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182S (Sundowners Inc.)
  • 19 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182Q (Charles Kinard)
  • 11 Jun 2026 — CESSNA 182 (Beta Flight LLC)
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 28 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 20 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 11 May 2026 — CESSNA 182P
  • 7 May 2026 — CESSNA 182T (Top Flight Aviation INC)
  • 4 May 2026 — CESSNA 182
  • 3 May 2026 — CESSNA 182

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 2016 CESSNA 182 L accident near Hungry Horse, MT?

A pilot, who had previously landed at the airstrip without issue, made two landing attempts. The second ended with the airplane touching down 500 feet down the 3000-foot runway, failing to stop, overrunning into trees, and sustaining substantial damage. The pilot noted wet grass and 7-inch tall grass after exiting.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jul 2016 CESSNA 182 L accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 2016 involved a CESSNA 182 L, operated by WINDJOX LLC., at Hungry Horse, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable wet terrain, and his failure to stop prior to the end of the runway, which resulted in a runway overrun and impact with tree(s).

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