Probable cause
The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff/landing area.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he intentionally landed in a pasture. The grassy field looked adequate for takeoff. The pilot stated that he did not see a fence located at the distant end of the pasture. The airplane became airborne, and when it was about 6 feet in the air, the tail snagged a wire fence. Thereafter, the airplane descended into the ground. As the airplane decelerated it nosed over and came to rest partially submerged in water. The pilot reported that he had not experienced any mechanical malfunction with his airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fall Rivermills, California
- Nearest airport
- No Name (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
PA-18-150
- N-number
- N273CC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
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.