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Landing Gear Collapses Following Aborted Landing in Broccoli Field (N800RC)

Coalinga, CA, US

On March 7, 2002, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N800RC) was involved in an aviation accident near Coalinga, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind was a contributing factor. 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

During an aborted landing attempt, an airplane veered off the runway into a broccoli field, resulting in landing gear collapse after encountering the soft furrowed terrain.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a landing gear collapse after veering off the runway and entering a broccoli field during an aborted landing attempt. The pilot had been applying left rudder correction to compensate for an existing crosswind. Upon initial touchdown, the airplane swerved to the left side of the runway.

Aborted Landing Sequence

After the swerve, the pilot added full power and initiated an aborted landing. However, realizing that a successful takeoff was not possible, the pilot closed the throttle and the airplane proceeded into a broccoli field. The soft, furrowed surface of the field caused the landing gear to collapse.

Outcome

The landing gear collapsed as a result of the encounter with the soft furrowed field. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are provided in the source.

Conclusion

The source does not specify a probable cause for the incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28R-180 accident near Coalinga, CA?

During an aborted landing attempt, an airplane veered off the runway into a broccoli field, resulting in landing gear collapse after encountering the soft furrowed terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Mar 2002 Piper PA-28R-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Mar 2002 involved a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N800RC, at Coalinga, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020313X00339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.