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NTSB Report
July 29, 1990 · Piper J-3 CUB · N1455N
Clay Banks, WI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Clay Banks, WI
Aircraft
Piper J-3 CUB
Tail Number
N1455N
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI90LA210
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING ACROSS THE LAKE AT ABOUT 500' AGL. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE ONTO LAND 'THE VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME OBSCURED.' THE PILOT PERFORMED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND BEGAN TO DESCEND, INTENDING TO LAND HIS FLOAT PLANE ON THE LAKE ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND POWER LINES DURING THE DESCENT, AND FELL TO THE GROUND.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING THE DESCENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S POOR WEATHER EVALUATION, AND CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING ACROSS THE LAKE AT ABOUT 500' AGL. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE ONTO LAND 'THE VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME OBSCURED.' THE PILOT PERFORMED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND BEGAN TO DESCEND, INTENDING TO LAND HIS FLOAT PLANE ON THE LAKE ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND POWER LINES DURING THE DESCENT, AND FELL TO THE GROUND.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper J-3 CUB
Tail NumberN1455N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-8F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
CeilingOvercast 200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO