Casualties unknown

Pilot Disorientation Leads to Nighttime Landing in Snowy Field (N7595U)

Bancroft, IA, US

On January 24, 1986, a Cessna 150 (registration N7595U) operated by Great Lakes Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bancroft, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experiencing disorientation during a night VFR flight landed at an unattended airport, then took off again. After becoming disoriented a second time with low fuel, he landed in a snow-covered field, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Background

The pilot was conducting a night visual flight rules (VFR) flight when he became disoriented. He proceeded to land at an airport to ascertain his location. The airport was unattended and lacked a telephone.

Sequence of Events

Unable to contact anyone or determine his position further, the pilot took off again, intending to continue to his original destination. Shortly thereafter, he became disoriented a second time. With the aircraft running low on fuel, he decided to land in a snow-covered field near a small town.

The snow in the field was deep and crusted. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over.

Conclusion

The incident involved a pilot who became disoriented on a night VFR flight, leading to an off-airport landing in a snowy field. The aircraft sustained a nose-over during the landing roll.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jan 1986 Cessna 150 accident near Bancroft, IA?

A pilot experiencing disorientation during a night VFR flight landed at an unattended airport, then took off again. After becoming disoriented a second time with low fuel, he landed in a snow-covered field, causing the aircraft to nose over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jan 1986 involved a Cessna 150, registration N7595U, operated by Great Lakes Aviation, at Bancroft, IA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00241. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.