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April 22, 1996 · Piper PA-32-260 · N4883S

Aitkin, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Aitkin, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N4883S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA137

The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16 in winds that he reported were from the west at 28 to 30 mph. During the landing, the airplane veered to the right into a snowbank and sustained substantial damage. About 45 minutes before the accident, the wind was reported to be from 280 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 18 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to adequately compensation for wind conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty crosswind condition and the snowbank.

Full Narrative

On April 21, 1996, at 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32- 260, N4883S, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on landing at the Aitkin, Minnesota Municipal Airport. The airplane exited the runway to the right and the right wing impacted a snow drift on the right edge of the runway. The pilot reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed O'Neill, Nebraska about 1600. The pilot reported that winds were 28 to 30 mph from the west. He was landing on runway 16 (3,398' x 75' dry/asphalt). He said that the wind picked up the right wing and although he was able to level the wings he was unable to keep the airplane from departing to the runway to the right. Weather observations taken at the accident airport at 1815 (45 minutes prior to the accident), indicated the wind to be 280 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:00 CDT
Nearest AirportAitkin Municipal (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length3398 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN4883S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C / 25 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data