No fatalities

Student Pilot Aircraft Strikes Gopher Mound During Landing Roll (N600JM)

Victoria, TX, US

On August 18, 1996, a Cessna 170B (registration N600JM) was involved in an aviation accident near Victoria, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mound) on the grass 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 landing on a private dirt strip, a student pilot's aircraft hit a gopher mound at about 30 mph, veered sideways, collapsing the right main gear and causing damage. The student pilot certificate was issued in 1993.

Accident Overview

The incident took place on a private dirt airstrip during the landing roll phase. The airplane struck a gopher mound on the runway, which caused the aircraft to veer sideways while traveling at about 30 mph. As a result of the sudden change in direction, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right main wing tip scraped along the ground.

Damage

The collision and subsequent veering led to several structural damages. The windshield was cracked, the engine mounts were bent, and the right door frame became deformed. These observations are recorded in the source, though no further assessment of the aircraft's condition is provided.

Pilot Information

Records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate that the pilot held a student pilot certificate, issued on May 18, 1993. No additional details regarding the pilot's training, total flight time, or the purpose of the flight are available.

Regulatory Notes

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, restricts student pilots from carrying passengers. The source does not specify whether any individuals were onboard the aircraft beyond the pilot, nor does it confirm compliance with this regulation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1996 Cessna 170B accident near Victoria, TX?

During landing on a private dirt strip, a student pilot's aircraft hit a gopher mound at about 30 mph, veered sideways, collapsing the right main gear and causing damage. The student pilot certificate was issued in 1993.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1996 Cessna 170B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1996 involved a Cessna 170B, registration N600JM, at Victoria, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. A related factor was the rough/uneven terrain (gopher mound) on the grass runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06506. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.