On September 20, 2015, a CESSNA 172M operated by TRAVIS LESATZ was involved in an aviation accident near Shiocton, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue to land at an unlighted airstrip, at night, after the landing light failed on approach, which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night approach to an unlit grass strip, the landing light failed at 100 feet AGL, causing loss of depth perception. The pilot continued, bounced, veered into a cornfield, and nosed over, damaging the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.
Accident Overview
A pilot conducted a night approach to an unlit grass airstrip. During the final approach, the landing light ceased operation approximately 100 feet above ground level. The pilot subsequently experienced a loss of depth perception.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that, after the landing light failure, the approach was continued. The airplane contacted the runway and bounced once, then veered to the right off the runway surface and entered a cornfield. The airplane then nosed over.
The pilot stated that, aside from the landing light, no mechanical failures or malfunctions existed prior to impact that would have prevented normal operation.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Sept 2015 CESSNA 172M accident near Shiocton, WI?
During a night approach to an unlit grass strip, the landing light failed at 100 feet AGL, causing loss of depth perception. The pilot continued, bounced, veered into a cornfield, and nosed over, damaging the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and left wing.
Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 2015 CESSNA 172M accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Sept 2015 involved a CESSNA 172M, operated by TRAVIS LESATZ, at Shiocton, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue to land at an unlighted airstrip, at night, after the landing light failed on approach, which resulted in a bounced landing, runway excursion, and collision with terrain.