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Pilot Executes Emergency Landing in Cotton Field After Electrical Fire, Aircraft Burns (N1966S)

Lubbock, TX, US

On April 14, 2006, a Cessna 210F (registration N1966S) was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An in-flight electrical fire for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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 private pilot with 200 hours landed in a plowed cotton field after an in-flight electrical fire. The aircraft nosed over and inverted; the pilot exited unaided before flames engulfed it.

Incident Overview

A private pilot with approximately 200 hours of flight experience experienced an in-flight electrical fire and elected to perform an emergency landing in a plowed cotton field. The landing was executed without further complications, but shortly after touchdown, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Pilot Egress and Fire

The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unassisted following the inverted landing. Within a few minutes of coming to rest, the aircraft became fully engulfed in flames.

Investigation Findings

Investigators examined the wreckage but were unable to determine the origin of the in-flight fire due to the extensive fire damage sustained. No additional factors or causes were identified in the report.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Apr 2006 Cessna 210F accident near Lubbock, TX?

A private pilot with 200 hours landed in a plowed cotton field after an in-flight electrical fire. The aircraft nosed over and inverted; the pilot exited unaided before flames engulfed it.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Apr 2006 Cessna 210F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Apr 2006 involved a Cessna 210F, registration N1966S, at Lubbock, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An in-flight electrical fire for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060419X00459. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.