FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Berm After Runway Excursion in Night IMC (N737CR)

Lakeville, MN, US

On November 20, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N737CR) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeville, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot misjudged his distance and speed which resulted in an overrun.. Factors were the wet runway, the grass and the berm. 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

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after exiting the departure end of a runway and striking a roadway berm during a night instrument approach.

Accident Details

The aircraft incurred substantial damage when it struck a roadway berm after departing the runway surface at the departure end. The accident occurred during dark night instrument meteorological conditions. An instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed and activated.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot's accident report, the flight departed from Waterloo Municipal Airport IFR direct to Airlake Airport as filed. Radar vectors were provided by Minneapolis Approach for an ILS 29 approach. The pilot reported maneuvering after breaking out of an overcast layer at about 700 feet through a lower broken layer, possibly at 500 feet. This resulted in a landing that was long, and the aircraft skidded off the end of the runway. The pilot swerved left to avoid runway end lights, entered the grass, and continued to skid until striking the roadway berm.

Conditions

The accident site was characterized by dark night conditions and instrument meteorological conditions, necessitating an instrument approach.

Runway excursion

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Nov 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Lakeville, MN?

An aircraft sustained substantial damage after exiting the departure end of a runway and striking a roadway berm during a night instrument approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Nov 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737CR, at Lakeville, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot misjudged his distance and speed which resulted in an overrun.. Factors were the wet runway, the grass and the berm.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041223X02032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.