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NTSB Report

January 29, 2022 · Vans RV4 · N544WM

Hortonville, WI

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 29, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hortonville, WI
Aircraft
Vans RV4 (2012)
Tail Number
N544WM
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA112

While landing on a frozen lake, the pilot observed a van at the end of the plowed airstrip. The pilot did not know the driver’s intention and decided to steer the airplane off the plowed area into the snow to slow the airplane before getting close to the van. The right tire hit a frozen obstruction and the airplane turned right and nosed down. Substantial damage was sustained to an engine mount and the lower firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident. The pilot stated that he did not realize that the snow at the edge was so frozen and deep.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Attain/maintain not possible

Full Narrative

While landing on a frozen lake, the pilot observed a van at the end of the plowed airstrip. The pilot did not know the driver’s intention and decided to steer the airplane off the plowed area into the snow to slow the airplane before getting close to the van. The right tire hit a frozen obstruction and the airplane turned right and nosed down. Substantial damage was sustained to an engine mount and the lower firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident. The pilot stated that he did not realize that the snow at the edge was so frozen and deep.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 CST
Nearest AirportBlack Otter Lake (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV4
Tail NumberN544WM
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point17 C / 9 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data