Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged After Swerving into Corn Field During Landing (N3504Z)

Berrien Springs, MI, US

On July 9, 1983, a Piper PA-22 (registration N3504Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Berrien Springs, MI. 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

A pilot reported that after touchdown, the aircraft swerved into the wind upon entering an area not sheltered by trees, resulting in the aircraft running into a corn field and being damaged.

Incident

A pilot reported that during landing, the wind was variable from west to north at 12 to 15 knots. After touchdown, the pilot held the tail up in the slipstream. Directional control was good until the aircraft entered an area that was not protected by trees on the west side. At that point, the aircraft swerved into the wind. Subsequently, it ran into a corn field beside the runway and was damaged.

Details

The pilot stated that after touchdown, the tail was held up in the slipstream. The wind conditions were variable from west to north at 12 to 15 knots. Directional control remained good until the aircraft reached an area lacking tree shelter on the west side. Then the aircraft swerved into the wind and departed the runway into a corn field, resulting in damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43667. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.