Casualties unknown

1998-03-28: Cessna 180 (N9140C) — John J. Cossette — Whitewood, SD

Whitewood, SD, US

On March 28, 1998, a Cessna 180 (registration N9140C) operated by John J. Cossette was involved in an aviation accident near Whitewood, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain clearance from obstructions (wires) during an approach for a precautionary landing. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying between cloud layers at 7,500 ft msl reported airframe ice accumulation. While attempting an off-airport landing, the airplane struck wires and nosed over inverted.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while flying between cloud layers at 7,500 feet mean sea level (msl), the airplane began to accumulate airframe ice. The pilot reversed direction to return to Spear Fish, South Dakota, but the weather continued to deteriorate, prompting a decision to perform an off-airport landing in a field.

Approach and Wire Strike

According to the pilot, the airplane circled the field twice. On the third pass, while on final approach, the airplane contacted the lower line of a dual set of wires. Following the wire strike, the airplane nosed down and impacted the terrain before nosing over inverted.

Outcome

The pilot's report concludes with the airplane inverted after the terrain impact. No other details regarding occupants, injuries, or damage were provided in the source.

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.