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Casualties unknown

Precautionary Landing Results in Nose-Over in Tall Grass (N5429H)

Midfield, AL, US

On September 22, 1990, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5429H) was involved in an aviation accident near Midfield, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE ASSESSMENT OF DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS RESULTANT FLIGHT INTO AREAS OF LOW CLOUDS. THE SAFETY BOARD BELIEVES THAT THE PILOT'S OVERALL LACK OF EXPERIENCE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. 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 deteriorating weather conditions and performed a precautionary landing in a grassy field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over in tall grass.

Incident Overview

A pilot executed a precautionary landing in a grassy field after encountering deteriorating weather conditions during a flight. According to the pilot's report, he was unable to maintain visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and chose to land. During the landing rollout, the airplane nosed over in tall grass.

Weather Information

The pilot stated that he checked the weather with a Flight Service Station (FSS) prior to the flight, which forecast VFR conditions. Scheduled weather observations reported VFR conditions at the time of the accident. However, the terrain where the accident occurred was hilly and at a slightly higher elevation than the weather observation facility. This discrepancy may have affected local weather conditions.

Pilot Background

The pilot received his private pilot certificate seven days prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Sept 1990 Piper PA-18 accident near Midfield, AL?

A pilot reported deteriorating weather conditions and performed a precautionary landing in a grassy field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over in tall grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Sept 1990 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N5429H, at Midfield, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE ASSESSMENT OF DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HIS RESULTANT FLIGHT INTO AREAS OF LOW CLOUDS. THE SAFETY BOARD BELIEVES THAT THE PILOT'S OVERALL LACK OF EXPERIENCE WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24188. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.