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NTSB Report
November 29, 1991 · Piper PA-28R-201 · N80553
Willmar, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 29, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Willmar, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-201
Tail Number
N80553
Operator
Thunderbird Aniation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI92LA054
THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED IFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED A CLEARANCE TO VFR ON TOP. AFTER REACHING 8000 FEET MSL, AND STILL IN THE CLOUDS, HE REQUESTED AN IFR APPROACH TO WILLMAR, MN. AFTER CROSSING THE THRESHOLD FOR LANDING, HE ADDED FULL FLAPS AND REDUCED POWER. THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD AND SUSTAINED A GEAR COLLAPSE. THE AIRFRAME HAD ABOUT ONE HALF INCH OF ICE ON THE LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS AND EMPENNAGE.
NTSB Probable Cause
AN INADEQUATE WEATHER EVALUATION WHICH RESULTED IN FLIGHT INTO ICING CONDITIONS. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE ICING CONDITIONS AND THE EXCESSIVE DESCENT DURING LANDING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT SAID HE ENCOUNTERED IFR FLIGHT CONDITIONS AND REQUESTED A CLEARANCE TO VFR ON TOP. AFTER REACHING 8000 FEET MSL, AND STILL IN THE CLOUDS, HE REQUESTED AN IFR APPROACH TO WILLMAR, MN. AFTER CROSSING THE THRESHOLD FOR LANDING, HE ADDED FULL FLAPS AND REDUCED POWER. THE AIRPLANE LANDED HARD AND SUSTAINED A GEAR COLLAPSE. THE AIRFRAME HAD ABOUT ONE HALF INCH OF ICE ON THE LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS AND EMPENNAGE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:55 CST
Nearest AirportWILLAMR (0nm)
Runway1
Runway Length5700 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-201
Tail NumberN80553
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThunderbird Aniation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point25 C / 19 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC