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Casualties unknown

Aircraft crashes near Eugene, Oregon during approach (N761ZY)

Cottage Grove, OR, US

On July 29, 1982, a Cessna T210M (registration N761ZY) operated by National Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Cottage Grove, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting a visual approach, which resulted in an impact with tree tops. Contributing factors included the failure of the seats and seat tracks, leading to occupant ejection. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed while receiving radar vectors from Eugene Approach Control to the VOR-DME Runway 34 approach at Eugene, OR. The plane hit tree tops and traveled 180 yards.

What happened

The accident occurred when the aircraft was in the process of landing at Eugene, Oregon. Specifically, the flight was receiving radar vectors from Eugene Approach Control for a VOR-DME Runway 34 approach.

During this phase of the operation, the aircraft lost control and impacted tree tops. The impact occurred with the aircraft in a level attitude and nose-down position. Following the initial collision, the wreckage traveled approximately 180 yards from the point of impact.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage site to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. Key findings included:

  • The aircraft struck tree tops before coming to rest.
  • The seats and seat tracks failed during the impact event.
  • Both occupants were ejected from the aircraft due to the structural failure of the seating system.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting a visual approach, which resulted in an impact with tree tops. Contributing factors included the failure of the seats and seat tracks, leading to occupant ejection.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jul 1982 Cessna T210M accident near Cottage Grove, OR?

An aircraft crashed while receiving radar vectors from Eugene Approach Control to the VOR-DME Runway 34 approach at Eugene, OR. The plane hit tree tops and traveled 180 yards.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jul 1982 involved a Cessna T210M, registration N761ZY, operated by National Flying Service, at Cottage Grove, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance while conducting a visual approach, which resulted in an impact with tree tops. Contributing factors included the failure of the seats and seat tracks, leading to occupant ejection.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.