On July 17, 1983, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7511R) was involved in an aviation accident near Viola, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to land in rain showers led to a collision with farm equipment during an emergency landing on a grass strip, resulting in substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot encountered unexpected rain during flight and elected to make an emergency landing on a grass strip, where the aircraft collided with farm equipment and sustained substantial damage.
What happened
The aircraft was involved in an incident resulting in substantial damage after colliding with farm equipment during an emergency landing on a grass strip. Prior to the flight, the student pilot had received a weather briefing via telephone. However, during the course of the operation, the pilot inadvertently encountered a rain shower. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions caused by the rain, the student pilot made the decision to execute an emergency landing.
During the landing process on the grass strip, the aircraft struck farm equipment located on the field. This impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. The sequence of events highlights the challenges faced when unexpected weather changes occur despite prior briefing efforts.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land in rain showers led to a collision with farm equipment during an emergency landing on a grass strip, resulting in substantial damage.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Jul 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Viola, TN?
A student pilot encountered unexpected rain during flight and elected to make an emergency landing on a grass strip, where the aircraft collided with farm equipment and sustained substantial damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jul 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7511R, at Viola, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to land in rain showers led to a collision with farm equipment during an emergency landing on a grass strip, resulting in substantial damage.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…