Casualties unknown

Grass Runway Landing Ends with Collision with Tall Corn (N2418Y)

Hague, VA, US

On August 5, 1995, a Cessna 172D (registration N2418Y) operated by Morgan T Moore was involved in an aviation accident near Hague, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND THE PROXIMITY OF TALL CORN (CROP) TO THE NARROW RUNWAY. 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

During a landing on a narrow grass runway bordered by tall corn, the aircraft yawed left after the left main gear touched down first, resulting in a collision with the corn.

Accident Overview

A pilot experienced an accident while attempting to land on a grass runway. The runway was 44 feet wide and had tall corn growing on both sides. The landing was performed with a crosswind component of 7 knots.

Landing Details

The pilot reported that the airplane touched down on the left main landing gear first, slightly left of the runway centerline. Subsequently, the airplane yawed to the left. The pilot attributed this yaw to the left main gear contacting the grass surface before the right gear, causing an asymmetric drag.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, the airplane then collided with the tall corn growing along the left side of the runway. The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft and that the accident could have been prevented if the corn had not been planted so close to the runway edge.

Key Observations

The runway width and the presence of tall vegetation immediately adjacent to the runway were noted as factors in the sequence of events. The crosswind condition may have influenced the initial touchdown offset. The pilot's account indicates no pre-existing mechanical issues with the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1995 Cessna 172D accident near Hague, VA?

During a landing on a narrow grass runway bordered by tall corn, the aircraft yawed left after the left main gear touched down first, resulting in a collision with the corn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2418Y, operated by Morgan T Moore, at Hague, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH THE RUNWAY DURING THE LANDING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE CROSSWIND AND THE PROXIMITY OF TALL CORN (CROP) TO THE NARROW RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04162. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.