Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's poor preflight preparation/planning which resulted in the pilot landing at a wrong airport. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the off airport landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 8, 2004, approximately 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 180 single-engine airplane, N8676X, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during landing to a field near Weiner, Arkansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was registered to G and W Aircraft Inc., Weiner, Arkansas, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight departed Sally Wofford Airport (8M2) at an unknown time and was destined for a local agricultural airstrip.
According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot departed 8M2 and destined for the "Hall ag strip, which [the pilot] had never landed on." The pilot stated he misidentified the airport and landed in a rice field.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated he lost control of the airplane during landing. The airplane flipped over and came to rest in the inverted position. The pilot added there was no mechanical problems with the airplane. The inspector stated both wings and the vertical stabilizer were bent.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW04CA181