Casualties unknown

Pilot Makes Precautionary Landing in Soft Field After Encountering Fog (N75571)

Hayes Center, NE, US

On August 30, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N75571) operated by Hoffman Pilot Center was involved in an aviation accident near Hayes Center, NE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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 descending through a cloud hole encountered fog with one-mile visibility, made a precautionary landing in an open field that turned out to be recently plowed, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Incident Overview

While en route, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. According to the pilot, he found himself above an overcast layer with decreasing visibility. He spotted a hole in the cloud layer and descended through it. Below the clouds, weather conditions were poor, with visibility approximately one mile in fog.

Precautionary Landing

The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing in an open field. After touchdown, he realized that he had selected a recently plowed, soft field. The aircraft rolled a short distance, then pulled sideways and nosed down.

Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the nose cowling and right wing.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Hayes Center, NE?

A pilot descending through a cloud hole encountered fog with one-mile visibility, made a precautionary landing in an open field that turned out to be recently plowed, causing the aircraft to nose over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N75571, operated by Hoffman Pilot Center, at Hayes Center, NE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34580. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.