Casualties unknown

Aircraft Flips Over During Landing on Grass Strip Near El Capitan Lake (N2596K)

EL Cajon, CA, US

On February 1, 1982, a Cessna 180K (registration N2596K) operated by Hartley Warren was involved in an aviation accident near EL Cajon, CA. 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 a local flight, a pilot and passenger inspected a grass strip near El Capitan Lake. After a touch-and-go and subsequent full-stop landing, the main gear dug into soft terrain, flipping the aircraft.

Incident Overview

A pilot and a passenger were conducting a local flight when the pilot decided to examine a grass landing strip situated near El Capitan Lake. The pilot performed several low passes over the strip before executing a touch-and-go landing. Following this, the pilot assessed the surface as suitable for a full-stop landing.

Landing Sequence

During the full-stop landing, the pilot touched down in a three-point attitude and maintained the elevator control in the full aft position. As the aircraft slowed, the main landing gear encountered soft terrain, causing the gear to dig into the ground. The aircraft subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Reported Details

The pilot reported that the aircraft flipped over just prior to coming to a complete stop. No additional information regarding the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, time of day, weather, or injuries was provided in the source. The pilot and passenger were the only occupants mentioned.

Investigation Status

The source document is an official accident investigation report. No probable cause has been specified in the provided source text.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Feb 1982 Cessna 180K accident near EL Cajon, CA?

During a local flight, a pilot and passenger inspected a grass strip near El Capitan Lake. After a touch-and-go and subsequent full-stop landing, the main gear dug into soft terrain, flipping the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Feb 1982 involved a Cessna 180K, registration N2596K, operated by Hartley Warren, at EL Cajon, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02169. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.