Aircraft Nose-Over During Precautionary Landing in Grassy Field

Casualties unknown • Midfield, AL, US

A pilot performing a precautionary landing due to deteriorating weather encountered a nose-over accident while touching down in tall grass.

What happened

During the flight, the pilot encountered deteriorating weather conditions. Unable to maintain Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing in a grassy field. Upon landing, the Cessna aircraft nosed over while traveling through tall grass.

The pilot had consulted with a Flight Service Station (FSS) prior to departure, and the forecast indicated VFR conditions. At the time of the accident, scheduled observations also reported VFR conditions. However, it was noted that the terrain at the accident site was hilly and situated at a slightly higher elevation than the weather observation facility.

The pilot had received their private pilot certificate seven days before the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft nosed over during a precautionary landing in tall grass following an encounter with deteriorating weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-09-22 Piper PA-18 accident near Midfield, AL?

A pilot performing a precautionary landing due to deteriorating weather encountered a nose-over accident while touching down in tall grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-09-22 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N5429H, at Midfield, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft nosed over during a precautionary landing in tall grass following an encounter with deteriorating weather conditions.

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.

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