# NTSB BFO94LA139: Cessna 182L, N3376R, Hopkinsville, KY, August 18, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1994, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Hopkinsville, KY
- Location: 36.8656° N, 87.4886° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Hopkinsville, KY, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8656&lon=-87.4886&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8961
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO94LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8961/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO94LA139

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALIGNMENT AND ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during landing approach to a private airstrip there was a direct 6 knot crosswind.  He stated he was compensating for the crosswind during the approach, but when the airplane became level with cornstalks which ran along side the runway, the crosswind 'ceased.'  The airplane drifted to the right and the right wingtip struck the cornstalks.  The airplane swung around into the cornstalks and the wings were damaged.

## Factual narrative

On August 18, 1994, at 1015 central daylight time, a Cessna 182L, N3376R, collided with cornstalks during landing at a private airstrip in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.  The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The personal flight originated from Nashville, Tennessee, and was destined for Hopkinsville.  The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that during final approach, a direct 6 knot crosswind existed.  He stated that he compensated for the crosswind "...but it ceased under tall corn next to runway.  Plane drifted to [the] right, wing tipped corn and pulled plane into corn."  He stated the airplane spun around and the left wing was bent upward about 30 degrees.  No airplane anomalies were reported by the pilot.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3376R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3376R), registered now, S/N 18258676, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182L
- Registry model: [Cessna 182L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182l) (registry code 2072726) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18258676
- Airframe hours: 2515
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Smith, Marion L.
- Registered owner: Smith, Marion L.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 8, 1993, 48 hours before
- Departed: M88, NASHVILLE, TN
- Airport: runway 10, 2,080 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,081 total, 1,784 in this make and model, 3,081 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19940818021709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940818021709A), Aug 18, 1994: Cessna 182L, Hopkinsville, KY, Substantial damage. Drifted into tall corn on edge of Private strip on landing. Wing tipped corn. Aircraft spun into corn.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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