Casualties unknown

Aerial Application Aircraft Damaged in Cornfield Emergency Landing After Power Loss (N21779)

York, NE, US

On July 31, 1988, a Cessna 188 (registration N21779) operated by Jerome D. Bair was involved in an aviation accident near York, NE. 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 performing aerial application reported a partial then complete power loss, leading to an emergency landing in a cornfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. FAA investigation found minimal fuel; the engine started normally after fuel was added.

Incident Report

While en route to conduct an aerial application operation, the pilot reported experiencing a partial loss of engine power. This partial power loss was shortly followed by a complete power failure. In response, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in a farm cornfield. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Investigation Details

An on-site investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was conducted. The examination revealed that the aircraft contained minimal fuel quantities at the time of the incident. As part of the investigation, the engine was removed from the aircraft by FAA personnel. After adding fuel to the engine, it was started and ran normally, requiring only five revolutions to start. The engine's operation after refueling indicated no other mechanical issues.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26349. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.