On July 31, 1997, a Cessna A188B (registration N8960G) was involved in an aviation accident near Satanta, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to perform a precautionary landing in a corn field due to an undetermined event in the cockpit. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performing agricultural spraying experienced smoke in the cockpit during a ferry flight and executed a forced landing in a cornfield. Examination revealed no anomalies; the smoke may have originated from an inadvertently activated smoker system.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducting agricultural spraying operations reported that smoke began to enter the cockpit while ferrying back to the airport. Believing there was a fire on board, the pilot reduced power and landed in a nearby cornfield.
Post-Accident Examination
A subsequent inspection of the airplane found no mechanical anomalies. The aircraft owner spoke with the pilot after the event. The pilot indicated that he might have inadvertently activated the 'smoker' switch while preparing for landing. The owner explained that when the smoker system is engaged, it produces a smell similar to smoke.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify any mechanical malfunction. The source of the perceived smoke was attributed to the possible activation of the smoker equipment.
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