On September 10, 1989, a Cessna R182 (registration N4934S) operated by Jerry A. Harr was involved in an aviation accident near Jordan Valley, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing on a closed, rough, unmaintained dirt strip, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway surface and colliding with a fence and ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane touched down left of centerline on a closed, rough dirt strip, resulting in loss of directional control and collision with a fence and ditch. No mechanical failures were reported.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was attempting to land on a dirt strip that was not maintained for regular air traffic operations. The surface conditions were described as rough and closed to normal use. Upon touchdown, the airplane did not align with the runway centerline, instead touching down to the left side.
Following the initial contact with the ground, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. Unable to keep the plane on the paved or prepared surface, the airplane veered off the left side of the intended path. It then collided with a fence located near the edge of the strip and subsequently encountered a ditch.
The investigation
Examination of the event revealed no evidence of pre-accident mechanical issues. Investigators found no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident sequence. The loss of control appears to have been directly related to the surface conditions and alignment at touchdown rather than equipment failure.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing on a closed, rough, unmaintained dirt strip, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway surface and colliding with a fence and ditch.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Sept 1989 Cessna R182 accident near Jordan Valley, OR?
An airplane touched down left of centerline on a closed, rough dirt strip, resulting in loss of directional control and collision with a fence and ditch. No mechanical failures were reported.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna R182, registration N4934S, operated by Jerry A. Harr, at Jordan Valley, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during landing on a closed, rough, unmaintained dirt strip, which resulted in the airplane leaving the runway surface and colliding with a fence and ditch.
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