Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Rock During Landing, Damages Landing Gear and Wings (N4436D)

Rome, OR, US

On June 26, 1983, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4436D) was involved in an aviation accident near Rome, 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing on an open field, an aircraft's right main landing gear struck a rock, bending it and causing the wing to drag, leading to the aircraft tipping forward and left, damaging both wings.

Incident Overview

An aircraft sustained damage to its landing gear and both wings during a landing on an open field. The pilot had initially landed on a gravel bar during a fishing trip but decided to reposition the aircraft to a longer plateau due to increasing density altitude.

Sequence of Events

Upon landing in the open field, the right main landing gear struck a rock. The impact bent the landing gear, causing the wing to drag along the ground. As the aircraft slowed, it tipped forward and to the left, resulting in damage to the left wing.

Damage

The landing gear was bent, and both wings sustained damage. The right wing was dragged due to the gear bending, and the left wing was damaged when the aircraft tipped.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.