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January 12, 1996 · Piper PA-28-180C · N8221W

West Liberty, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 12, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
West Liberty, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180C
Tail Number
N8221W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA077

The pilot reported the airplane made a normal touchdown on the grass airstrip. When he applied the brakes to stop, the airplane skid as if it was on ice. To avoid impacting a parked airplane and a fence located at the end of the runway, the pilot applied full power and full right rudder to turn the airplane. The airplane went into a bean field, and its left wing impacted a fence post. The pilot stated that the airstrip looked dry, but it was wet and muddy because the snow had recently melted leaving the ground very soft.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and an intentional ground loop/swerve. A factor in the accident was the wet grass runway.

Full Narrative

On January 12, 1995, at 1530 central standard time (cst), a Piper PA-28-180C, N8221W, sustained substantial damage when it exited the end of the runway and impacted a fence post during the landing roll on a private grass airstrip in West Liberty, Iowa. The private pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight had originated from Green Castle, Iowa, at 1500 cst. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was on file. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated the airplane made a normal touchdown on the grass airstrip. He stated that when he applied the brakes to stop "it was just like being on ice." "The airplane hydroplaned," the pilot stated. In an attempt to try and avoid impacting a parked airplane and a fence which were located at the end of the runway, the pilot applied full power and full right rudder to turn the airplane. The airplane went into a bean field and its left wing impacted a fence post. The pilot reported that he has landed on this airstrip on many other occasions. He stated that the airstrip looked dry, but it was wet and muddy because the snow had recently melted leaving the ground very soft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm NNE)
Runway36
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width120 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180C
Tail NumberN8221W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 4 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data