Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control, which resulted in a runway excursion, and collision with runway and taxiway lights and terrain.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during landing the airplane touched down and veered to the right. The airplane exited the right side of the runway and struck the runway and taxiway lights. The pilot reported that he over corrected with the rudder and brake, and the airplane turned to the left crossing back over the runway, and impacted a drainage ditch where the nose landing gear collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fire wall 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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA235 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalispell, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Kalispell (S27)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733NH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.