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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 6, 2003 · Clement-Kazmierczak Sorrell SNS-7 · N7543E

Highmore, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 6, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Highmore, SD
Aircraft
Clement-Kazmierczak Sorrell SNS-7
Tail Number
N7543E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI04LA040

The amateur-built experimental biplane was substantially damaged when it hit a snow bank and nosed over during landing. The pilot reported that prior to the flight he contacted the owner of the private grass strip to verify runway condition. The owner reportedly indicated that the runway was acceptable for use. The pilot noted that upon arrival the wind was from the southeast about 10 miles per hour. He stated that he set-up and landed to the south. "After landing, I hit a small snowdrift, added power and the plane nosed over," according to the pilot. He reported no failures or malfunctions with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. Contributing factors were the grass runway surface and the snowbank.

Full Narrative

On December 6, 2003, at 1030 central standard time, an amateur-built experimental biplane Clement-Kazmierczak Sorrell SNS-7 airplane, N7543E, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it hit a snow bank and nosed over during landing. The accident occurred at a private airstrip (2,500 feet by 75 feet, turf) approximately 15 miles north of Highmore, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed the Converse County Airport, Douglas, Wyoming, at 0715 mountain standard time, with the private airstrip as the intended destination. In his written statement, the pilot reported that prior to the flight he contacted the owner of the private grass strip to verify runway condition. The owner reportedly indicated that the runway was acceptable for use. The pilot noted that upon arrival the wind was from the southeast about 10 miles per hour. He stated that he set-up and landed to the south. "After landing, I hit a small snowdrift, added power and the plane nosed over," according to the pilot. The pilot reported no failures or malfunctions with the aircraft or engine prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway18
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftClement-Kazmierczak Sorrell SNS-7
Tail NumberN7543E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 21 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C / 18 C
Altimeter29.85 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data