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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

July 26, 1999 · Mooney M20B · N74523

Hayward, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 26, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Hayward, WI
Aircraft
Mooney M20B
Tail Number
N74523
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI99LA273

The pilot flew a low approach over the lake, and at the end of the approach, he initiated a climbing left turn. He reported that as he rolled to the left, the left wing contacted the surface of the lake. The pilot reported that glassy water and the dusk light condition contributed to the event. The pilot continued the flight and returned to his departure airport without further incident.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the surface of the lake. Factors associated with the accident were the low level flight, dusk light conditions, and the glassy water.

Full Narrative

On July 25, 1999, at 1945 central daylight time, a Mooney M20B, N74523, was substantially damaged when the left wing contacted the waters of Lost Land Lake, Hayward, Wisconsin. The pilot was maneuvering the airplane at a low altitude when the accident occurred. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 flight. The pilot was able to fly the airplane back to the Hayward Municipal Airport, Hayward, Wisconsin, where an uneventful landing was made. The flight departed the Hayward, Municipal Airport at 1930 cdt, with an intended destination of Kenosha, Wisconsin. The pilot reported he flew a low approach over the lake and at the end of the approach he initiated a climbing left turn. He reported that as he rolled to the left, the left wing contacted the surface of the lake. The pilot reported glassy water and dusk light condition contributed to making "...poor visual referenced reducing...[his]... depth perception."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20B
Tail NumberN74523
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind200° @ 10 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data