Casualties unknown

Light Aircraft Crashes While Observing Another Accident Site Near Hugoton (N9379G)

Hugoton, KS, US

On August 2, 1986, a Cessna 188B (registration N9379G) was involved in an aviation accident near Hugoton, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control while flying at low altitude and slow speed to observe another accident site. 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 flying low and slow to observe a crash site near Hugoton lost control, rolled left, and impacted the ground shortly after the initial accident location.

What happened

The pilot in command was operating an aircraft in the vicinity of Hugoton, Kansas, specifically near the departure end of the runway. The flight phase was identified as a departure. According to the pilot's statement, he was flying at a low altitude and slow airspeed with the specific intent of observing another aircraft that had recently crashed in an open field off the departure end of the runway.

While maintaining this position, the aircraft was observed to roll to the left and descend rapidly. It subsequently impacted the ground approximately one-quarter mile beyond the location where the already downed aircraft was spotted. The pilot stated that he experienced no mechanical problems with the aircraft during any part of this departure.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control while flying at low altitude and slow speed to observe another accident site.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34567. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.