No fatalities

Pilot Distracted by Cow Lands Short, Flips Over on Private Airstrip

Del Rio, TX, United States

On August 20, 2010, a CESSNA 182P operated by Mid Valley LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Del Rio, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot became distracted by a cow adjacent to the runway and failed to maintain proper glide path, resulting in a short landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot attempting to land on a dirt strip became distracted by a cow near the runway. He made a lower-than-normal approach, landed short by 5-10 feet, struck rocks, and flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

A private pilot was attempting to land his single-engine airplane on a private dirt strip. According to the pilot, while on approach, he became distracted by a cow that was adjacent to and moving toward the runway. As a result, he did not pay attention to his glide path and made a lower than normal approach.

The airplane landed short of the runway by about 5 to 10 feet. It subsequently struck some rocks on a rise in the terrain and flipped over.

Damage Assessment

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose and vertical tail, and wrinkles appeared on the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the distraction caused by the cow led to his failure to monitor the glide path, resulting in the short landing. No other factors were reported.

Probable cause

The pilot became distracted by a cow adjacent to the runway and failed to maintain proper glide path, resulting in a short landing.

Contributing factors

Pilot