HAMPTON, SC, USA
CFPVE
SUMMERFELDT THORP T-18
The pilot obtained weather information from a television weather report before departure. While en route, he encountered heavy rain, hail, and high winds. He executed a precautionary landing in a field. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered soft terrain and nosed over.
On March 17, 1996, about 0905 eastern standard time, a Summerfeldt Thorp T-18, Canadian registration CFPVE, registered to a private owner, nosed over while landing in a field, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personnel flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Jacksonville, Florida, on March 17, 1996, about 0705. The pilot stated that before departure he obtained weather information by watching a television weather report. While en route from Jacksonville to Allendale, South Carolina, with another aircraft, they encountered instrument meteorological conditions with heavy rain, hail, and high winds. They attempted to fly to the Hampton, South Carolina Airport, but were unsuccessful due to the weather. They elected to make a precautionary landing in a field. While landing the aircraft nosed over.
The pilot's improper planning/decision and selection of unsuitable terrain for a precautionary landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's failure to use a preflight briefing service, the adverse weather conditions, and soft terrain in the precautionary landing area.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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