Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands in Oat Field After Severe Turbulence and Wind Gusts (N3371N)

Independence, IA, US

On July 2, 1999, a Piper J-3C (registration N3371N) was involved in an aviation accident near Independence, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The insufficient information from the weather forecast resulting in an in-flight encounter with turbulence/gusts and the subsequent precautionary landing. Contributing factors were the gusty/turbulent conditions and the terrain condition (crop). 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

A pilot reported severe turbulence and 40-50 knot wind gusts 10 miles from her destination. Unable to maintain control, she landed in an oat field, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while flying approximately 10 miles from her destination airport, she encountered severe turbulence and wind gusts of 40 to 50 knots. She stated that controlling the airplane became difficult, and she decided to land before losing all control.

Weather Conditions

The pilot noted that the weather conditions near the destination airport had not been forecast when she checked the weather about 2.5 hours prior to the incident.

Landing Attempt

In response to the deteriorating control, the pilot attempted to land the airplane in an oat field. The airplane was traveling about 30 miles per hour over the ground when it impacted the field.

Post-Impact Sequence

After impacting the oat field, the airplane traveled about 10 feet before it pitched up onto its nose. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the landing.

No Other Details

The source provides no information regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of engines, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, time of day, or air traffic control involvement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19175. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.