Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient altitude while flying low over a field which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was flying low over a rice field when the wheels caught in the vegetation. The pilot tried to pull up, but the airplane was pulled down into the rice field. After touch down, the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the engine mounts, wings and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA016 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 12, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willows, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7ECA
- N-number
- N9599S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1965
- 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.