No fatalities

Smoke in Cockpit Prompts Precautionary Landing; Aircraft Damaged During Rollout (N66KJ)

Laurel, MT, US

On May 29, 2000, a Cessna 182B (registration N66KJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurel, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for the precautionary landing. Wet and soft terrain, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll were factors. 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 observed smoke from behind cockpit gauges, shut off master switch, and performed a precautionary landing in a field. During the rollout on soft wet soil, the airplane nosed down, causing propeller and wing tip contact with the ground. Post-accident inspection found no electrical anomalies.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported observing smoke emanating from behind the EGT/CHT gauges on the instrument panel. In response, the pilot shut off the master switch and elected to conduct a precautionary landing in an open field.

Landing and Damage

During the landing roll, the airplane began to slide on soft, wet soil. The airplane subsequently nosed down, resulting in the propeller and right wing tip contacting the ground. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the aircraft's electrical system found no evidence of overheating or anomalies to the wires and connections.

Conclusion

The incident involved a precautionary landing due to smoke in the cockpit, followed by damage during the rollout on soft terrain. The electrical system showed no signs of malfunction.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 May 2000 Cessna 182B accident near Laurel, MT?

A pilot observed smoke from behind cockpit gauges, shut off master switch, and performed a precautionary landing in a field. During the rollout on soft wet soil, the airplane nosed down, causing propeller and wing tip contact with the ground. Post-accident inspection found no electrical anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 May 2000 Cessna 182B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 May 2000 involved a Cessna 182B, registration N66KJ, at Laurel, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for the precautionary landing. Wet and soft terrain, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the landing roll were factors.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21131. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.