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NTSB Report
September 20, 2015 · Cessna 172M · N20079
Shiocton, WI
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Shiocton, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172M (1972)
Tail Number
N20079
Operator
Travis Lesatz
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA15CA290
The pilot reported he was making an approach to landing at night to an unlit grass airstrip. According to the pilot, the landing light went out about 100 feet above the ground, and he lost depth perception. The pilot continued the landing and bounced once. The airplane veered off the runway to the right into a cornfield, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing. Other than the landing light, the pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's decision to continue to land at an unlighted airstrip, at night, after the landing light failed on approach, which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported he was making an approach to landing at night to an unlit grass airstrip. According to the pilot, the landing light went out about 100 feet above the ground, and he lost depth perception. The pilot continued the landing and bounced once. The airplane veered off the runway to the right into a cornfield, and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing. Other than the landing light, the pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time23:00 CDT
Nearest AirportShiocton Airport (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2340 ft
Runway Width110 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN20079
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTravis Lesatz
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · Unknown · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 46
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time03:55
Weather SourceWFAC