Primary finding
Probable cause
The selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor to the accident was tall vegetation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While dragging an open field in preparation for an intentional off airport landing, the wheels of the airplane caught in the tall grass. The airplane nosed down and eventually came to rest in an inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 17, 1995, at 1800 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18A, N1252C, nosed over in an open field near Laurel, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight had departed from the Laurel Airport approximately 1740. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he flew over a friend's house until the occupants came out. The pilot stated that he decided to land in an open field next to the house to talk with the friend. The pilot stated that "...I thought I should drag it (the field) to check grass height and roughness." The pilot made one low pass at approximately 20 feet above ground level and then came back around to "drag" the field. As the airplane got closer to the ground, the pilot stated that he could feel that the wheels were into the grass and the airplane felt heavy. The pilot stated that he started to add power and back pressure on the yoke, however, the wheels caught in the tall grass and the airplane nosed down, eventually coming to rest inverted. -