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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 14, 1997 · Cessna 150L · N18031

Litchfield, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 14, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Litchfield, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 150L
Tail Number
N18031
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI98LA069

The student pilot initiated a landing on runway 13 at Litchfield, Minnesota. He said the airplane '...came down on [the] runway, bounced once, and drifted off to the left of the runway into trees...' during an attempt to go around. After hitting the trees, the airplane landed on a frozen lake. The pilot stated he applied full power during the attempted go-around. The pilot reported the winds were from the west at 8 knots. No anomalies were found with the aircraft or engine during an investigation.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper flare and improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain proper runway alignment during the attempted go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind condition, and the proximity of trees.

Full Narrative

On December 14, 1997, at 1140 central standard time (cst), a Cessna 150L, N18031, was destroyed while attempting a go-around after a bounced landing on runway 13 at Litchfield Airport, Litchfield, Minnesota. The student pilot reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan. The flight departed Winsted, Minnesota, at approximately 1110 cst. The pilot reported that he departed Winsted Airport for a direct flight to Litchfield. He said he began the landing procedure for runway 13. The pilot said he "...came down on [the] runway, bounced once and drifted off to the left of the runway into trees..." on the go-around attempt. After hitting the trees the airplane landed on a frozen lake. The pilot reported the winds were out of the west at 8 knots. In a telephone conversation with the pilot, he stated that he "...didn't have enough airspeed..." to climb out. The pilot also stated he applied full power. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector said there were no anomalies with the aircraft or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 CST
Nearest AirportLitchfield Municipal (0nm ENE)
Runway13
Runway Length4002 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150L
Tail NumberN18031
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:18
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data