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Casualties unknown

Go-Around and Bounced Landing Precede Runway Excursion into Corn Field (N29379)

Maple Lake, MN, US

On August 24, 1997, a Cessna 177 (registration N29379) was involved in an aviation accident near Maple Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing and his improper recovery from the bounced landing. Factors associated with the accident were the night conditions and the pilot lack of recent experience with night operations. 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 landing, the pilot experienced a nose-wheel-first touchdown leading to bounces and a go-around attempt. The airplane veered off the runway into a corn field. The pilot was not night current with limited night experience.

Event Overview

The pilot performed one go-around prior to the landing attempt due to excessive airspeed.

Landing and Bounces

During the second landing, the nose wheel touched down first. The airplane bounced, then touched down again "...more violently..." a second time.

Pilot Actions

After the second touchdown, the pilot added full power, removed carburetor heat, and reduced the flaps by 10 degrees. The airplane bounced again. The pilot then applied full flaps "... to raise the stall speed." When the airplane did not accelerate, he once again reduced the flaps by 10 degrees.

Runway Excursion

The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and came to rest in a corn field.

Night Conditions

Official sunset was 1 hour 11 minutes prior to the accident. The pilot had 3 hours of total night time and was not night current.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Aug 1997 Cessna 177 accident near Maple Lake, MN?

During landing, the pilot experienced a nose-wheel-first touchdown leading to bounces and a go-around attempt. The airplane veered off the runway into a corn field. The pilot was not night current with limited night experience.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Aug 1997 involved a Cessna 177, registration N29379, at Maple Lake, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot failure to maintain control of the airplane while landing and his improper recovery from the bounced landing. Factors associated with the accident were the night conditions and the pilot lack of recent experience with night operations.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08596. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.