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Smoke in Cockpit Leads to Forced Landing on Dirt Road (N2471D)

Benson, AZ, US

On August 13, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2471D) operated by Jerry W. Wood was involved in an aviation accident near Benson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING AN EMERGENCY DESCENT AND TO PROPERLY FLARE THE AIRCRAFT DURING LANDING. 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

A pilot reported smoke in the cockpit from under the passenger dashboard, lasting 20 seconds. He shut down the engine, executed a forced landing, and heard stall warnings during descent. The aircraft landed hard on a dirt road; the operator indicated no mechanical malfunction.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot of the accident aircraft, smoke was detected in the cockpit. The smoke was both seen and smelled, originating from beneath the dashboard on the passenger side. The smoke persisted for a period of about 20 seconds.

Pilot Response

The pilot decided to turn off the throttle, mixture, and fuel controls. He then performed a forced landing. During the emergency descent, the stall warning indicator was heard two to three times.

Landing Sequence

The aircraft made contact with a dirt road in a hard landing. The pilot reported the landing as hard.

Investigation Findings

The operator of the aircraft stated that there was no mechanical malfunction. This conclusion was based on the operator's examination following the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Benson, AZ?

A pilot reported smoke in the cockpit from under the passenger dashboard, lasting 20 seconds. He shut down the engine, executed a forced landing, and heard stall warnings during descent. The aircraft landed hard on a dirt road; the operator indicated no mechanical malfunction.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2471D, operated by Jerry W. Wood, at Benson, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING AN EMERGENCY DESCENT AND TO PROPERLY FLARE THE AIRCRAFT DURING LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S ANXIOUSNESS IN OVER-REACTING TO A SITUATION AND PREMATURELY ENTERING A POWER-OFF FORCED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29159. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.