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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

December 8, 1996 · Lake LA-4 · N7632L

Gallipolis, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 8, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gallipolis, OH
Aircraft
Lake LA-4
Tail Number
N7632L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC97LA027

The pilot reported that about 30 miles from the airport, the airplane encountered snow and then approximately '...10 miles out encountered freezing rain/sleet/snow.' According to the pilot, '...airplane was flying poorly because of ice but still controllable. At one point need[ed] substantial right rudder to maintain level flight. Decided to approach high since I know the stall speed would be higher with the ice. Normal approach in this airplane is 70 MPH over the numbers. I crossed the numbers [around] 82 MPH.' The pilot stated that while on final approach for runway 23 the winds shifted from 230 degrees to 320 degrees '...with hard buffeting gusts over the hills to my right. As soon as the airplane went into ground effect it stopped flying - came down hard on the left main - I applied some power to regain control - the plane came down hard just off the runway in soft soil....' Subsequently, the airplane came to a stop after collided with a parked airplane and a hangar.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a collision with a hangar and parked aircraft. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's encounter with rain, sleet, snow, and icing conditions, and airframe icing.

Full Narrative

On December 8, 1996, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Lake LA-4 airplane, N7632L, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a parked airplane and a hangar during an aborted landing on runway 23 at Gallia-Meigs Airport (GAS) in Gallipolis, Ohio. The student pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight originated in Troy, Michigan at approximately 1030 central standard time with an intended destination of Gallipolis, Ohio (GAS). The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported to the Gallipolis Police Department that while "... making a standard approach a strong crosswind blew the aircraft - an attempt to go around was made but the aircraft stalled - went off the runway and damaged a parked [airplane]." A witness reported to the police that the airplane bounced upon touchdown, reached an altitude of eight to ten feet, and turned to the left. He stated that the airplane then impacted the ramp, slid several feet, struck a parked airplane and then collided with a hangar. In a subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that 30 miles from Gallia-Meigs Airport the airplane encountered snow and then approximately "...10 miles out encountered freezing rain/sleet/snow." He stated that the "...airplane was flying poorly because of ice but still controllable. At one point need[ed] substantial right rudder to maintain level flight. Decided to approach high since I know the stall speed would be higher with the ice. Normal approach in this airplane is 70 MPH over the numbers. I crossed the numbers [around] 82 MPH." The pilot reported that while on final approach for Runway 23 the winds shifted from 230 degrees to 320 degrees "...with hard buffeting gusts over the hills to my right. As soon as the airplane went into ground effect it stopped flying - came down hard on the left main - I applied some power to regain control - the plane came down hard just off the runway in soft soil...." struck the parked airplane and the hangar.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EST
Nearest AirportGallia Meigs (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length3998 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLake LA-4
Tail NumberN7632L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 10 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility2.5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 28 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data