No fatalities

Pilot Overruns Grass Airstrip, Strikes Power Pole After Multiple Landing Attempts

Nooksack, WA, United States

On May 14, 2018, a CESSNA 172 G was involved in an aviation accident near Nooksack, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper approach in tailwind conditions, which resulted in long landing and subsequent 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

After three failed landing attempts at a private grass airstrip, a pilot made a fourth approach but encountered increased wind, landed long, overran the runway, and hit a power pole, causing substantial damage.

Accident Summary

A pilot reported that, after three attempts to land at a one-way private grass airstrip, the wind had become a tailwind. During a fourth approach, the wind was "apparently stabilized," but once the pilot committed to land, the wind increased and became a hazard. The pilot added that the airplane was then "too low to abort" and subsequently landed long. The airplane was unable to stop on the remaining runway, overran it, and impacted a power pole.

Weather Conditions

According to the pilot, the wind shifted during the landing attempts, ultimately becoming a tailwind for the intended landing direction. The automated weather observation system located about 9 nautical miles from the accident site reported that, around the time of the accident, the wind was from 220° at 5 knots. The pilot reported landing to the east.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Descent/approach/glide path — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 May 2018 CESSNA 172 G accident near Nooksack, WA?

After three failed landing attempts at a private grass airstrip, a pilot made a fourth approach but encountered increased wind, landed long, overran the runway, and hit a power pole, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 May 2018 CESSNA 172 G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 May 2018 involved a CESSNA 172 G, at Nooksack, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper approach in tailwind conditions, which resulted in long landing and subsequent runway overrun.