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Pilot Lands in Cornfield After Smoke Enters Cockpit (N8960G)

Satanta, KS, US

On July 31, 1997, a Cessna A188B (registration N8960G) was involved in an aviation accident near Satanta, KS. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1997 Cessna A188B accident near Satanta, KS?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Jul 1997 Cessna A188B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna A188B, registration N8960G, at Satanta, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to perform a precautionary landing in a corn field due to an undetermined event in the cockpit. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's inadvertent actuation of the 'smoker' switch, his unfamiliarity with the 'smoke' equipment on the airplane, and corn crop in the emergency landing area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08348. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.