No fatalities

Student Pilot's Runway Excursion During Landing Practice

Simsbury, CT, United States

On August 29, 2016, a BEECH C23 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Simsbury, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway overrun. 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 student pilot performed a go-around after an uncomfortable approach, then on the second landing attempt the airplane floated, overran the runway, struck a fence and embankment, resulting in substantial damage.

Flight History

The student pilot reported that he was preparing for his private pilot check ride. After about 90 minutes of flying, he approached the airport and entered the traffic pattern for runway 21, which is 2,205 feet long.

Accident Sequence

While established on short final during the first approach, the student pilot elected to perform a go-around because he was not comfortable with the approach. On the second landing attempt, the airplane floated past the intended touchdown point before landing on the runway. The student pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it went off the departure end of the runway.

Post-Impact

After departing the runway, the airplane struck a perimeter fence and an embankment. The impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse and resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Wind Conditions

The winds reported at an airport located 4 miles east of the accident location were from 320 degrees true at 7 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Student/instructed pilotDescent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedCapability exceeded

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 2016 BEECH C23 NO SERIES accident near Simsbury, CT?

A student pilot performed a go-around after an uncomfortable approach, then on the second landing attempt the airplane floated, overran the runway, struck a fence and embankment, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 2016 BEECH C23 NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 2016 involved a BEECH C23 NO SERIES, at Simsbury, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s failure to attain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in a runway overrun.