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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

April 25, 1998 · Cessna 172 · N79006

Eagle River, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 25, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Eagle River, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N79006
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA134

The pilot reported that when he flew over the airport at mid-field, the wind "was switching around to the point that runway 31 would be a better choice." As he was approaching runway 31 on short final, the airplane was not slowing down. He looked at the wind sock and it indicated that the wind was "almost directly behind me." He removed carburetor heat, applied full power, and raised the flaps. Initially the airplane started to accelerate, but then it "seemed to slightly sink." He reported that all he could see was the tops of trees so he "pulled the nose up as high as he could to stall the airplane." The airplane settled through the trees. The pilot did not claim that there was anything wrong with the airplane prior to the impact. The pilot information manual stated the procedures for a balked landing were: "In a balked landing (go-around) climb, reduce the wing flap setting to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied. If obstacles must be cleared during the go-around, leave the wing flaps in the 10 degrees to 20 degrees range until the obstacles are cleared. After clearing any obstacles the flaps may be retracted as the airplane accelerates to the normal flaps-up climb speed of 80 to 90 MPH."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot failed to compensate for the wind conditions, improperly executed a go-around when he raised the flaps, and failed to maintain obstacle clearance with the trees.

Full Narrative

On April 25, 1998, at 1040 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N79006, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during landing. The airplane was landing on runway 31 and impacted trees past the departure end of the runway. The winds were reported as 110 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 14 knots. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight had departed Eagle River Union Airport, Eagle River, Wisconsin, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that when he flew over the airport at mid-field, the wind "was switching around to the point that runway 31 would be a better choice." He reported that as he was approaching runway 31 on short final, the airplane was not slowing down. He looked at the wind sock and it indicated that the wind was "almost directly behind me." He reported that he removed carburetor heat, applied full power, and raised the flaps. He reported that initially the airplane started to accelerate, but then it "seemed to slightly sink." He reported that all he could see was the tops of trees so he "pulled the nose up as high as he could to stall the airplane." The airplane settled through the trees. He reported that when it came to rest, he and the passengers exited the airplane. The pilot information manual indicated the procedures for a balked landing (Go-around) were the following: "In a balked landing (go-around) climb, reduce the wing flap setting to 20 degrees immediately after full power is applied. If obstacles must be cleared during the go-around, leave the wing flaps in the 10 degrees to 20 degrees range until the obstacles are cleared. After clearing any obstacles the flaps may be retracted as the airplane accelerates to the normal flaps-up climb speed of 80 to 90 MPH." The pilot did not claim that there was anything wrong with the airplane prior to the impact.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 CDT
Nearest AirportEagle River (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length2170 ft
Runway Width140 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN79006
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E20 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 8 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 36 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data