Loss of control and runway excursion involving a Cessna 172R, Murwillumbah Airfield, New South Wales, on 26 September 2026

What happened

On the morning of 26 September 2026, a student pilot and instructor on board a Cessna 172R set out to conduct a flight check at 0830 local time. The aircraft departed Gold Coast Airport, Queensland, for Murwillumbah Airfield, New South Wales, to carry out circuits as part of the check.

At approximately 0838 local, the aircraft arrived overhead the airfield and joined the circuit intending to conduct a touch-and-go¹ on runway 19, a grass landing strip. The landing distance available at Murwillumbah on runway 19 was 800 m due to a 245 m displaced threshold² (Figure 1). 

Figure 1: Murwillumbah Airfield

During the first circuit, the aircraft touched down approximately halfway down the runway. At some point during the ground roll, the decision was made to abort the touch-and-go (take-off) and the pilot flying applied brakes. Upon braking, the crew immediately noticed the aircraft failed to slow down and recognised the aircraft had begun to skid. The aircraft wheels had lost traction, and the crew had lost effective control as the aircraft continued to skid. The aircraft subsequently exited the end of runway 19 and collided into a ditch off the end of the runway.

The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and both occupants received various minor injuries.

It was reported by the crew that the aircraft appeared high and fast on final approach which contributed to the delayed touchdown, therefore reducing the distance available to stop the aircraft. 

Figure 2: Aircraft post-accident

Safety message

Unstable approaches are a common precursor to runway overruns. Pilots must consider conducting an early go-around when the speed and height of the aircraft become undesirable on approach. Go-arounds are a key defence to prevent fast and long landings that reduce the landing distance available for the aircraft to be safely stopped.

Brake lockup is another risk that can lead to a loss of control during the ground roll and subsequent overrun. When the braking force applied by the pilot exceeds the tyres’ traction to the surface, the wheels may stop turning, leading to the aircraft entering a skidding state. Unsealed grass runways offer less traction, therefore increasing the risk of brake lock up.

About this report

Decisions regarding whether to conduct an investigation, and the scope of an investigation, are based on many factors, including the level of safety benefit likely to be obtained from an investigation. For this occurrence, no investigation has been conducted and the ATSB did not verify the accuracy of the information. A brief description has been written using information supplied in the notification and any follow-up information in order to produce a short summary report, and allow for greater industry awareness of potential safety issues and possible safety actions.

1. ^    Touch-and-go: a manoeuvre in which an aircraft conducts an approach, touches the runway, and immediately takes off again.
2. ^    Threshold: the beginning portion of the runway useable for landing.