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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 21, 2025 · Cessna 172 S · N505LP

Gaithersburg, MD

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Gaithersburg, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S (2000)
Tail Number
N505LP
Operator
Wifa Washington International Flight Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA311

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot had a tablet computer in her lap. During the landing flare, the tablet interfered with the student pilot’s control input. In an attempt to assist the student, the flight instructor briefly diverted her attention from the landing to shift the tablet away from the control yoke. When the flight instructor looked back outside, she realized that the airplane had floated more than halfway down the runway and had not touched down. She took control of the airplane but decided not to attempt a go-around due to trees at the runway end. The flight instructor applied full braking, but when she realized that the airplane was not going to stop on the runway, she steered left down a small embankment, rather than risk a larger embankment at the end of the runway. The nose landing gear partially collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright off the left side end of the runway. The forward portion of the airplane’s fuselage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The flight instructor added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s distraction during landing, which resulted in a long landing and subsequent runway excursion.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that the student pilot had an tablet computer in her lap. During the landing flare, the tablet interfered with the student pilot’s control input. In an attempt to assist the student, the flight instructor briefly diverted her attention from the landing, to shift the tablet away from the control yoke. When the flight instructor looked back outside, she realized that the airplane had floated more than halfway down the runway and had not touched down. She took control of the airplane but decided not to attempt a go-around due to trees at the runway end. The flight instructor applied full braking, but when she realized that the airplane was not going to stop on the runway, she steered left down a small embankment, rather than risk a larger embankment at the end of the runway. The nose landing gear partially collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright off the left side end of the runway. The forward portion of the airplane’s fuselage was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The flight instructor added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:25 EDT
Nearest AirportMontgomery County Airpark (0nm N)
Runway32
Runway Length4202 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN505LP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWifa Washington International Flight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 30 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 70 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time19:32
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data