1998-03-28: Cessna 180 — John J. Cossette — Whitewood, SD

Casualties unknown • Whitewood, SD, US

Probable cause

failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (wires) during an approach for a precautionary landing. Factors associated with the accident were: the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, low ceilings, icing conditions, and the wires which were contacted.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported he was flying between cloud layers at 7,500 feet msl, when the airplane started to accumulate airframe ice. He reversed his direction to return to Spear Fish, South Dakota, but the weather continued to deteriorate. He decided to make an off-airport landing in a field. The pilot reported that he circled the field two times. On the third pass, while on final approach, the airplane contacted the lower line of a dual set of wires. The airplane then nosed down and impacted the terrain prior to nosing over inverted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-03-28 Cessna 180 accident near Whitewood, SD?

The pilot reported he was flying between cloud layers at 7,500 feet msl, when the airplane started to accumulate airframe ice. He reversed his direction to return to Spear Fish, South Dakota, but the weather continued to deteriorate. He decided to make an off-airport landing in a field. The pilot reported that he…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-03-28 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9140C, operated by John J. Cossette, at Whitewood, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (wires) during an approach for a precautionary landing. Factors associated with the accident were: the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, low ceilings, icing conditions, and the wires which were contacted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09642. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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