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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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January 21, 2002 · Piper PA-22-160 · N9248D

Iowa Falls, IA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 21, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Iowa Falls, IA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-160
Tail Number
N9248D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA068

The airplane nosed over following a loss of control during landing. The pilot reported the winds were from 240 degrees at 11 knots and the landing was being made on runway 31. He reported he lowered the left wing and applied right rudder during the approach to compensate for the crosswind. The pilot reported that the airplane bounced during the landing and he did not react quickly enough by once again lowering the wing. He reported the wind lifted the left wing so that the airplane was on the right main gear only. He reported that it seemed the airplane was going to ground loop. He applied right rudder to stop the ground loop, but by that time the airplane was off the side of the runway. The airplane traveled into a plowed bean field where it nosed over and tipped onto the right wing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and the subsequent failure to maintain control of the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind and the rough terrain encountered.

Full Narrative

On January 21, 2002, at 1615 central standard time, a Piper PA-22-160, N9248D, operated by a private pilot, collided with the terrain following a loss of control while landing on runway 31 (4,001 feet by 75 feet, dry asphalt) at the Iowa Falls Municipal Airport (IFA), Iowa Falls, Iowa. The pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was being operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated at Dubuque, Iowa, at 1430 central standard time. The pilot reported that he checked the weather for the area surrounding IFA prior to the flight and again while en route. He reported that the winds at Waterloo, 46 miles east, were from 240 degrees at 11 knots. The pilot reported that upon reaching IFA, he flew over the airport and confirmed the winds were as he expected. He reported that he knew he was going to have a crosswind, so he lowered the left wing and applied right rudder during the approach. The pilot reported that the airplane bounced during the landing and "...since I was not expecting that I did not react quickly enough by once again lowering the wing." He reported the wind lifted the left wing so that the airplane was on the right main gear only. He reported that it seemed the airplane was going to ground loop and he applied right rudder to stop the ground loop, but by this time the airplane was off the side of the runway. The airplane traveled into a plowed bean field where it nosed over and tipped onto the right wing. Inspection of the airplane revealed the nose gear was collapsed, the propeller struck the ground, and buckling was present between the wings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:15 CST
Nearest AirportIowa Falls Municipal (0nm)
Runway31
Runway Length4001 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-160
Tail NumberN9248D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 21 C
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data