CLEAR LAKE, MN, USA
N80357
CESSNA 172
THE PILOT SAID THAT SHE RETURNED TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT LATER THAN PLANNED AND NIGHT LANDING CONDITIONS EXISTED ON ARRIVAL. THE SOD RUNWAY HAD ONLY TWO LIGHTS ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY TO AID NIGHT OPERATIONS. THE PILOT SAID IF SHE WAS UNABLE TO LAND, SHE WOULD RETURN TO ST. CLOUD, A FULL FACILITY AIRPORT, ABOUT 10 MILES FROM THERE. SHE SAID THAT SHE THOUGHT SHE COULD SEE THE OUTLINE OF THE SOD AIRSTRIP, SO ELECTED TO LAND. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED TO THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY IN A SOFT BEAN FIELD DURING THE LANDING ROLL IT NOSED OVER.
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION IN ATTEMPTING TO LAND WITH INADEQUATE VISUAL CUES WHICH PRECLUDED IDENTIFICATION OF A CORRECT RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE AIRPORT WAS READILY AVAILABLE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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