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2 fatalities

Single-Seat Aircraft Crashes into Cornfield, Two Fatalities (N6440Z)

Decatur, NE, US

On August 2, 1994, a Piper PA-25 (registration N6440Z) operated by Tim Simpson was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, NE. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. 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 single-seat aircraft crashed into a cornfield after a sharp right turn during climb, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger. The pilot's mother, who witnessed and attempted rescue, sustained second and third degree burns.

Accident Description

A witness reported that the airplane took off to the south and climbed above the level of the surrounding cornfield. The airplane then made a sharp right turn and dropped into the field. A postaccident fire ensued.

Injuries

The pilot and a passenger of the single-seat aircraft were fatally injured. The pilot's mother witnessed the accident; she received second and third degree burns when she attempted a rescue.

Wreckage Examination

A horizontal impression of the spinner and propeller was located in the soil about 2 feet in front of the nose. The metal, fixed-pitch propeller was slightly bent with no evidence of torsional bending and no chordwise scratches. During an examination of the wreckage, no preimpact mechanical failure was found.

Toxicology Results

During a toxicology test of the pilot's blood, a low level (0.002 ug/mL) of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid (marijuana) was detected. Tests of his urine detected 0.033 ug/mL of tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic acid, 0.109 ug/mL of methamphetamine, and 0.207 ug/mL of amphetamine.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Aug 1994 Piper PA-25 accident near Decatur, NE?

A single-seat aircraft crashed into a cornfield after a sharp right turn during climb, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger. The pilot's mother, who witnessed and attempted rescue, sustained second and third degree burns.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Aug 1994 Piper PA-25 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Aug 1994 involved a Piper PA-25, registration N6440Z, operated by Tim Simpson, at Decatur, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON, AND FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.