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Pilot Encounters Unmarked Construction Hole While Taxiing at Night (N6736L)

Lansing, IL, US

On October 22, 1989, a Beech A36 (registration N6736L) was involved in an aviation accident near Lansing, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN ELECTING TO TAXI ACROSS AN UNMARKED AREA IN DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, AT AN AIRPORT WITH KNOWN CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS AND THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THE INITIAL REPAIRS WERE SUFFICIENT TO CORRECT THE HOLES MADE DURING… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

While taxiing after landing, a pilot crossed a grassy area and the left main landing gear dropped into an unmarked hole, causing substantial damage. The hole was part of ongoing airport construction for VASI relocation.

Incident Details

After landing, the pilot attempted to taxi from the runway to the hangar or ramp area. To reach the marked temporary grass taxiway, the pilot taxied across a grassy area. While traversing this area, the aircraft's left main landing gear dropped into an unmarked hole. The pilot estimated the hole to be approximately 23 feet deep. By applying power, the pilot was able to extract the aircraft from the hole. However, the aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result.

Airport Construction

At the time of the incident, the airport was undergoing ongoing construction. The hole was one of several created by the relocation of the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) light installation, which was necessitated by runway expansion.

Response by Airport Management

According to airport management, the holes had been "restored" after the VASI structures were removed. Following the incident, the holes were "restored" again the day after.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot described the light conditions at the time as "dark night."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 1989 Beech A36 accident near Lansing, IL?

While taxiing after landing, a pilot crossed a grassy area and the left main landing gear dropped into an unmarked hole, causing substantial damage. The hole was part of ongoing airport construction for VASI relocation.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 1989 Beech A36 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 1989 involved a Beech A36, registration N6736L, at Lansing, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN ELECTING TO TAXI ACROSS AN UNMARKED AREA IN DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, AT AN AIRPORT WITH KNOWN CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS AND THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT'S FAILURE TO ASSURE THE INITIAL REPAIRS WERE SUFFICIENT TO CORRECT THE HOLES MADE DURING CONSTRUCTION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29571. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.