FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Airplane Noses Over After Landing on Snow-Covered Closed Runway (N3898S)

Tofte, MN, US

On March 14, 1996, a Cessna 172E (registration N3898S) was involved in an aviation accident near Tofte, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to perform adequate preflight planning which resulted in landing at a closed airport. The snow covered runway was a factor. 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

A pilot landed an airplane on a snow-covered runway at an airport that had been closed since 1993. During the landing roll, the nose wheel contacted deep snow, causing the airplane to nose over.

Incident Details

A pilot landed an airplane on a runway that was covered with snow at an airport that is 'closed indefinitely' for repairs. During the landing roll, the nose wheel contacted deep snow, causing the airplane to nose over.

Background

The airport had been closed since 1993, and according to the airport owner, it will remain closed for two to three more years. The airport was listed as closed in the Airport Facility Directory (AFD), which the pilot did not check prior to landing. However, the airport was shown as open on the most current sectional chart.

FAA Policy

According to the FAA, only airports that are listed as 'abandoned' or 'closed permanently' are removed from sectional charts. Since the airport was not classified as permanently closed or abandoned, it remained depicted as open on the chart.

Conclusion

The pilot landed at an airport that was not available for use, and the runway condition led to the airplane nosing over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Mar 1996 Cessna 172E accident near Tofte, MN?

A pilot landed an airplane on a snow-covered runway at an airport that had been closed since 1993. During the landing roll, the nose wheel contacted deep snow, causing the airplane to nose over.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Mar 1996 Cessna 172E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Mar 1996 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N3898S, at Tofte, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to perform adequate preflight planning which resulted in landing at a closed airport. The snow covered runway was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05378. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.