FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Aircraft Porpoises During Crosswind Landing, Veers Off Runway, Lands in Corn Field (N4704J)

Fulton, MO, US

On March 20, 1988, a Beech 23 (registration N4704J) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulton, MO. No fatalities were reported. 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

During a crosswind landing attempt, an aircraft porpoised and veered off the runway. The left landing gear failed, and the wheel struck the fuselage and stabilator. The pilot applied full power, flew a partial turn, and landed in a corn field. No injuries occurred; substantial damage was reported.

Event Summary

During an attempted crosswind landing, the aircraft began to porpoise and subsequently veered off the runway. The left landing gear failed, and the wheel struck the aft section of the fuselage, followed by the horizontal stabilator.

Pilot Actions

After the ground contact, the pilot-in-command (PIC) applied full power, became airborne, and attempted to reposition for a landing on another runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft did not fly properly. The PIC executed a turn of approximately 270 degrees while remaining below tree top level, ultimately landing in a corn field adjacent to the airport property.

Outcome

Neither the PIC nor any passengers suffered injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 1988 Beech 23 accident near Fulton, MO?

During a crosswind landing attempt, an aircraft porpoised and veered off the runway. The left landing gear failed, and the wheel struck the fuselage and stabilator. The pilot applied full power, flew a partial turn, and landed in a corn field. No injuries occurred; substantial damage was reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 1988 Beech 23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 1988 involved a Beech 23, registration N4704J, at Fulton, MO.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25323. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.