Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over After Runway Excursion at O'Neal Airport (N3VU)

Vincennes, IN, US

On May 10, 1999, a Piper PA-18-L21B (registration N3VU) was involved in an aviation accident near Vincennes, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control after landing. Factors which contributed to this accident were the pilot's long touchdown, the rough area on the runway, and the wheat field. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After landing on runway 21 at O'Neal Airport, the airplane encountered a rough spot, bounced, veered right, and exited into a wheat field where it nosed over onto its back. No anomalies were found.

Landing and Runway Excursion

According to the pilot, the landing on runway 21 at O'Neal Airport in Vincennes, Indiana, was smooth and occurred about halfway down the 2,350-foot-long, 100-foot-wide runway. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane encountered a rough spot on the runway surface, causing it to bounce into the air. During the bounce, the tail began to shift, and the pilot reported being unable to apply brakes while attempting to maintain directional control.

Departure from Runway

The airplane veered to the right and departed the runway, entering a wheat field. As the airplane slowed, it came to a sudden stop and nosed over slowly onto its back.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies or mechanical issues that could have contributed to the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18719. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.