Casualties unknown

Off-Airport Landing on Soft Grass Field Ends in Nose-Over (N312X)

Madras, OR, US

On October 24, 1982, a Maule M-5-210C (registration N312X) operated by Samuel Barton, Jr. was involved in an aviation accident near Madras, OR. 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

A pilot executed an off-airport landing on a soft, wet grass field. After applying heavy braking upon nearing the field's western end, the aircraft nosed over.

Maneuver Details

According to the pilot's report, the landing was conducted on a field that was not an airport. The field was square in shape, with each side about 1,500 feet long. The grass surface was soft and wet, indicating moisture. The pilot oriented the landing toward the west. While touching down and rolling, the pilot noticed the western end of the field approaching quickly. To avoid overrunning the boundary, the pilot applied heavy braking, pressing firmly on the brakes. The result of this heavy braking was that the aircraft nosed over.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot stated that there was no wind at the field. However, a weather station located 28 miles to the north reported wind from 160 degrees. The source does not specify the wind speed or the time of the report relative to the landing. The discrepancy between local calm and the distant weather station is noted but not explained.

Report Completeness

The preceding summary is based solely on the information provided by the pilot. The original report contains no additional details about the aircraft, the pilot, or the outcome of the nose-over. No other sources are cited.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Oct 1982 Maule M-5-210C accident near Madras, OR?

A pilot executed an off-airport landing on a soft, wet grass field. After applying heavy braking upon nearing the field's western end, the aircraft nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Oct 1982 involved a Maule M-5-210C, registration N312X, operated by Samuel Barton, Jr., at Madras, OR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05155. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.