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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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April 26, 2003 · Walker Lancair IV · N7441W

Wamego, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 26, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Wamego, KS
Aircraft
Walker Lancair IV
Tail Number
N7441W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA116

The airplane impacted the runway while performing an S-turn maneuver while landing. The pilot reported he was following another airplane on final approach to runway 17 and had to perform S-turns to increase spacing. He noted that runway 17 was narrower than he was accustomed to, and the perceived aircraft altitude was higher than it actually was. The pilot reported there was no mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining altitude/clearance from the runway while maneuvering on final approach. A factor to the accident was the pilot's misjudgment of his altitude while on final approach.

Full Narrative

On April 26, 2003, at 1205 central daylight time, an amateur-built Walker Lancair IV, N7441W, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with runway 17 (3,184 feet by 45 feet, dry/asphalt) while landing at the Wamego Municipal Airport, Wamego, Kansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed Clay Center Municipal Airport, Clay Center, Kansas, at 1145. The pilot reported he was following another airplane on final approach to runway 17 and had to perform S-turns to increase spacing. The pilot stated the airplane impacted the runway while performing a S-turn maneuver. The pilot noted runway 17 was narrower than he was accustomed to. He stated the perceived aircraft altitude was higher than it actually was. The pilot reported, on the NTSB accident form, there was no mechanical malfunction or failure.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:05 CDT
Nearest AirportWamego Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length3184 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWalker Lancair IV
Tail NumberN7441W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-550-B · Reciprocating · 350
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 45 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time16:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data