Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW04CA181

Weiner, AR, USA

Aircraft #1

N8676X

Cessna 180E

Analysis

On a local flight, the pilot misidentified the intended airstrip, and landed in a rice field. The pilot stated he never had previously landed at the intended airstrip. During the landing, the pilot lost control of the airplane, the airplane flipped over and came to rest inverted. The pilot stated there was no mechanical problems with the airplane.

Factual Information

On July 8, 2004, approximately 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 180 single-engine airplane, N8676X, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during landing to a field near Weiner, Arkansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to G and W Aircraft Inc., Weiner, Arkansas, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed Sally Wofford Airport (8M2) at an unknown time and was destined for a local agricultural airstrip. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot departed 8M2 and destined for the "Hall ag strip, which [the pilot] had never landed on." The pilot stated he misidentified the airport and landed in a rice field. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated he lost control of the airplane during landing. The airplane flipped over and came to rest in the inverted position. The pilot added there was no mechanical problems with the airplane. The inspector stated both wings and the vertical stabilizer were bent.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's poor preflight preparation/planning which resulted in the pilot landing at a wrong airport. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the off airport landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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