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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 31, 2002 · Cessna 182J · N3027F

Galesville, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Galesville, WI
Aircraft
Cessna 182J
Tail Number
N3027F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA146

The airplane collided with static wires on final approach to land. The pilot reported that he added power then the airplane encountered a downdraft while on base leg to land. He reported that on final approach another downdraft was encountered and he applied full power, but the airplane struck power lines with the nose gear. According to the pilot, a wire broke and another wire caught the aircraft and pulled it down. The pilot reported that after touchdown the nose gear folded back and the propeller struck the ground. The wind was reported to be 330 degrees at 9 knots at La Crosse Municipal Airport, La Crosse, Wisconsin which is 22 miles southeast of Carhart Farms Airport.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot failed to maintain clearance with the wires while on final approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude, the downdraft, and the wires which the airplane contacted.

Full Narrative

On May 31, 2002, at 1705 central daylight time, a Cessna 182J, N3027F, owned and piloted by an airline transport rated pilot, sustained substantial damage when the aircraft struck power lines on final approach for runway 27 (2,500 feet by 50 feet, dry/turf) at Carhart Farms Airport, Galesville, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and his two passengers reported no injuries. The local flight had originated at Carhart Farms Airport at 1615. According to the pilot's written statement, upon returning to Carhart Farms Airport he turned to base leg, extended half flaps, and added some power. The pilot stated, "Just as I added power there was a down draft which caused me to add more power." He reported that upon turning to final approach, he applied full flaps and experienced "...another considerable down draft which caused me to go to full power nose up slightly ... about that time I caught the high lines with the nose gear." According to the pilot, "We slowed quickly but a wire broke and I got the nose back up another wire got tight and pulled us down." The pilot stated that after touchdown the nose gear folded back and the propeller struck the ground. The wind was reported to be 330 degrees at 9 knots at the La Crosse Municipal Airport, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 22 miles southeast of Carhart Farms Airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:05 CDT
Nearest AirportCarhart Airport (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182J
Tail NumberN3027F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.76 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data