Casualties unknown

Off-Airport Landing on Gravel Road Results in Wing and Gear Contact with Fence Posts (N14395)

Ottumwa, SD, US

On March 11, 1994, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N14395) operated by Cecil G. Ice was involved in an aviation accident near Ottumwa, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate compensation for wind conditions and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind and the fence posts. 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 conducting an off-airport landing on a gravel road encountered weathervaning after cresting a hill, causing the left wing to strike a fence post and the right main gear to hit another post.

Occurrence

The accident occurred during an off-airport landing on a gravel road. The pilot was landing to the south, with winds from an easterly direction at 12 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, when the airplane reached a crest in the road, it weathervaned into the wind. As a result, the left wing contacted a fence post. The airplane then veered 90 degrees, and the right main gear subsequently contacted another fence post.

No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00872. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.