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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

March 11, 1994 · Piper PA-18-150 · N14395

Ottumwa, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 11, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ottumwa, SD
Aircraft
Piper PA-18-150
Tail Number
N14395
Operator
Cecil G Ice
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA108

THE PILOT WAS MAKING AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING ON A GRAVEL ROAD WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE WAS LANDING TO THE SOUTH WITH WINDS FROM AN EASTERLY DIRECTION AT 12 KNOTS GUSTING TO 15 KNOTS. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHEN HE REACHED A CREST IN THE ROAD, THE AIRPLANE WEATHER VANED INTO THE WIND AND THE LEFT WING CONTACTED A FENCE POST. THE AIRPLANE THEN VEERED 90 DEGREES AND THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR CONTACTED ANOTHER POST.

NTSB Probable Cause

inadequate compensation for wind conditions and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind and the fence posts.

Full Narrative

On March 10, 1994, at 1830 central standard time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N14395, operated by Ice Flying Service, contacted fence posts following a loss of directional control during an off airport landing near Ottumwa, South Dakota. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local 14 CFR Part 91 business flight originated from Ottumwa, South Dakota. The pilot reported he was flagging a field for another airplane which was involved in an aerial application operation. He stated he was moving to a better location when the accident occurred. He stated that because the field was wet, he decided to land on a nearby gravel road. He reported the local winds were from 110 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 15 knots and he was landing in a southerly direction. During the landing roll the airplane weather vaned into the wind (left) as it reached a crest in the road. The pilot stated he added full power in an attempt to takeoff, but the left wing contacted a fence post so he reduced power. The airplane then pivoted 90 degrees, and the right gear contacted another fence post before the airplane came to a stop.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18-150
Tail NumberN14395
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCecil G Ice
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 18 kt
Visibility45 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 19 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:56

Appendix: Source Data