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NTSB Report

February 3, 2008 · Squier Pauper II · N70727

Stockbridge, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 3, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Stockbridge, WI
Aircraft
Squier Pauper II
Tail Number
N70727
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI08CA073

The pilot of the amateur-built airplane reported that he had attended a chili fly-in and was departing at the time of the accident. An area of a frozen lake approximately 1,800 feet long had been plowed for use as a runway during the fly-in. The pilot stated that he had taken off and the airplane was about 25 to 30 feet above the terrain, when he initiated a turn and subsequently impacted the frozen lake surface. The pilot noted that he had difficulty identifying a clear horizon due to snow covered terrain and the overcast cloud conditions. He added that depth perception is very difficult under those circumstances. The pilot stated that the airplane was mechanically sound and he did not experience any problems with it. He recalled weather conditions as approximately 1,500 feet overcast, with 7 miles visibility. Winds were light and variable at the time.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's spatial disorientation while maneuvering after takeoff and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from the terrain. Contributing factors were the snow-covered lake and overcast clouds, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation due to the indefinite horizon. An additional factor was the airplane's low altitude at the time of the occurrence.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the amateur-built airplane reported that he had attended a chili fly-in and was departing at the time of the accident. An area of a frozen lake approximately 1,800 feet long had been plowed for use as a runway during the fly-in. The pilot stated he had taken off and the airplane was about 25 to 30 feet above the terrain, when he initiated a turn and subsequently impacted the frozen lake surface. The pilot noted that he had difficulty identifying a clear horizon due to snow covered terrain and the overcast cloud conditions. He added that depth perception is very difficult under those circumstances. The pilot stated that the airplane was mechanically sound and he did not experience any problems with it. He recalled weather conditions as approximately 1,500 feet overcast, with 7 miles visibility. Winds were light and variable at the time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway36
Runway Length1800 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSquier Pauper II
Tail NumberN70727
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · Typ 1 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180°
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 1700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data