No fatalities

Night Landing Ends with Runway Excursion After Wheel Enters Soft Field (N3265U)

Haviland, KS, US

On July 23, 1997, a Cessna 182F (registration N3265U) was involved in an aviation accident near Haviland, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to obtain and/or maintain proper runway alignment during a night landing. 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

During a night landing, the airplane veered left after touchdown, with the left main gear entering a newly worked field. The airplane stopped abruptly, right wing struck runway, nose gear entered soft field, and propeller contacted ground. Runway and landing lights were inoperative.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's account, the landing was conducted at night. After the airplane touched down on the runway, it began to veer to the left. The subsequent investigation found evidence that during the landing roll, the left main landing gear entered a newly worked field adjacent to the runway.

Sequence of Events

Upon entering the soft field, the airplane came to a sudden stop. The right wing then struck the runway surface. Additionally, when the nose gear entered the soft field, the propeller came into contact with the ground.

Lighting Conditions

The investigation revealed that both the airplane's landing light and the airport's runway lighting were inoperative at the time of the landing.

Investigation Findings

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, or occupants were provided in the source. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and no conclusions or probable causes have been stated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Jul 1997 Cessna 182F accident near Haviland, KS?

During a night landing, the airplane veered left after touchdown, with the left main gear entering a newly worked field. The airplane stopped abruptly, right wing struck runway, nose gear entered soft field, and propeller contacted ground. Runway and landing lights were inoperative.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 1997 Cessna 182F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 182F, registration N3265U, at Haviland, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision and failure to obtain and/or maintain proper runway alignment during a night landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the airplane's inoperative landing lights, the airport's inoperative runway edge lights, and darkness, which prevented the pilot from adequately seeing…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08346. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.