The pilot reported that he was flying low over a rice field in Willows, Calif., when the Champion’s wheels caught in the vegetation.
He tried to pull up, but the plane was pulled down into the rice field.After touch down, it nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the engine mounts, wings and empennage.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as 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 Identification: WPR14CA016
This October 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.