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December 7, 2014 · Piper PA 18-150 A150 · N41594

Minocqua, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 7, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Minocqua, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA 18-150 A150 (1994)
Tail Number
N41594
Operator
Butler John P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15CA071

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 18 while the wind was 170 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 21 knots. He explained that he attempted a three-point landing instead of a wheel landing because the airplane was equipped with "wheel-penetration skis." During the flare, the pilot observed that snow began blowing directly across the runway just ahead of the airplane. The airplane subsequently drifted to the right. The pilot corrected with rudder and aileron inputs and the airplane still drifted right. He decided to initiate a go-around. As he applied power in an attempt to fly out of the gusting crosswind, the right wing dropped. The ski-equipped right main gear collapsed when it impacted the snow with a side load. The right wing tip then contacted the snow and the airplane sustained substantial wing spar and firewall damage when it cartwheeled on its right wing tip, nose, left wing tip, and then balanced on its nose. The pilot reported that there were no airplane mechanical malfunctions during the accident flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot did not maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing flare when a sudden wind shift occurred.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land on runway 18 while the wind was 170 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 21 knots. He explained that he attempted a three-point landing instead of a wheel landing because the airplane was equipped with "wheel-penetration skis." During the flare, the pilot observed that snow began blowing directly across the runway just ahead of the airplane. The airplane subsequently drifted to the right. The pilot corrected with rudder and aileron inputs and the airplane still drifted right. He decided to initiate a go-around. As he applied power in an attempted to fly out of the gusting crosswind, the right wing dropped. The ski-equipped right main gear collapsed when it impacted the snow with a side load. The right wing tip then contacted the snow and the airplane sustained substantial wing spar and firewall damage when it cartwheeled on its right wing tip, nose, left wing tip, and then balanced on its nose. The pilot reported that there were no airplane mechanical malfunctions during the accident flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CST
Nearest AirportLakeland/Lee Memorial Field (0nm NNE)
Runway18
Runway Length5150 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 18-150 A150
Tail NumberN41594
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorButler John P
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 61 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 14 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.42 inHg
Observation Time17:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data