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Casualties unknown

Pilot Falls Asleep During Low-Altitude Pipeline Patrol Flight (N3402T)

Pond Creek, OK, US

On February 18, 2002, a Cessna 177 (registration N3402T) was involved in an aviation accident near Pond Creek, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain altitude due to falling asleep while performing pipeline patrol activities. 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 conducting pipeline patrol at 300 feet AGL fell asleep and struck the ground in a wheat field, sliding 240 feet before stopping upright. A sleep log showed no irregular patterns.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was performing routine pipeline patrol operations. He was flying at an altitude of 300 feet above ground level. The pilot described the flight as uneventful, stating, "everything was quiet, and there was nothing to report." Sometime during the flight, the pilot fell asleep while at the controls. He later reported that the next thing he remembered was the aircraft striking the ground in an open wheat field. Following the impact, the aircraft slid for 240 feet before coming to rest in an upright position.

Pilot Sleep History

Investigators examined a sleep log kept by the pilot for the 72-hour period immediately prior to the accident. The log detailed the pilot's sleep patterns during that time. It showed no evidence of irregular sleep patterns.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 2002 Cessna 177 accident near Pond Creek, OK?

A pilot conducting pipeline patrol at 300 feet AGL fell asleep and struck the ground in a wheat field, sliding 240 feet before stopping upright. A sleep log showed no irregular patterns.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 2002 involved a Cessna 177, registration N3402T, at Pond Creek, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain altitude due to falling asleep while performing pipeline patrol activities.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020221X00242. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.