Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the airplane bounced during the wheel landing on the narrow, private grass airstrip. He allowed a "slight drift" to continue without applying adequate corrective rudder input, and the right wing collided with cornstalks that outlined the perimeter of the airstrip. The right main landing gear failed, and the airplane came to rest on its right wing.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA495 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hayes Center, Nebraska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 140
- N-number
- N4102N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.