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Precautionary Landing in Hay Field Ends with Aircraft Damage After Severe Weather Encounter (N8099A)

Beckley, WV, US

On July 2, 1996, a Cessna 170B (registration N8099A) was involved in an aviation accident near Beckley, WV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots decision to continue flying from VFR to IMC conditions which subsequently forced him to make a precautionary landing onto unsuitable terrain. 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 made a precautionary landing in a hay field after encountering severe rain and thunderstorms near Beckley, West Virginia. The aircraft struck a tree during landing, causing substantial damage.

Incident Details

According to the pilot, while en route to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, the aircraft encountered severe rain and thunderstorms near Beckley, West Virginia. The pilot reported that the weather was so severe that continuing to Beckley, where he intended to land and wait out the storm, was not possible.

Precautionary Landing

Spying a hay field, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing. During the landing, the aircraft's left wing struck a tree, causing the aircraft to nose into the ground.

Aircraft Damage

The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1996 Cessna 170B accident near Beckley, WV?

A pilot made a precautionary landing in a hay field after encountering severe rain and thunderstorms near Beckley, West Virginia. The aircraft struck a tree during landing, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jul 1996 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N8099A, at Beckley, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots decision to continue flying from VFR to IMC conditions which subsequently forced him to make a precautionary landing onto unsuitable terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06253. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.