FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Night Landing in Sod Runway Leads to Nose-Over in Bean Field (N80357)

Clear Lake, MN, US

On August 23, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N80357) operated by Leaders Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Clear Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION IN ATTEMPTING TO LAND WITH INADEQUATE VISUAL CUES WHICH PRECLUDED IDENTIFICATION OF A CORRECT RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT WAS READILY AVAILABLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 returning later than planned attempted a night landing on a minimally lit sod runway. Landing to the side in a soft bean field, the aircraft nosed over during the landing roll.

Incident Details

The pilot reported returning to the destination airport later than originally scheduled, resulting in night landing conditions upon arrival. The sod runway was equipped with only two lights at the end of the runway to aid nighttime operations.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, if she had been unable to land at the destination, she would have diverted to St. Cloud, a full facility airport located approximately 10 miles away. She stated that she believed she could see the outline of the sod airstrip and therefore decided to proceed with the landing.

Landing and Outcome

The aircraft touched down to the side of the runway, coming to rest in a soft bean field. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over. The pilot had earlier indicated that she would return to St. Cloud if she could not land at the destination.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Aug 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Clear Lake, MN?

A pilot returning later than planned attempted a night landing on a minimally lit sod runway. Landing to the side in a soft bean field, the aircraft nosed over during the landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Aug 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N80357, operated by Leaders Flying Service, Inc., at Clear Lake, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION IN ATTEMPTING TO LAND WITH INADEQUATE VISUAL CUES WHICH PRECLUDED IDENTIFICATION OF A CORRECT RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT WAS READILY AVAILABLE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29217. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.