On August 21, 1988, a Cessna 170 (registration N3804V) operated by Vanus, Harold W. was involved in an aviation accident near Boyceville, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to compensate adequately for wind conditions, resulting in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after lift-off, a gust of wind caused the pilot to lose control. The pilot rejected the takeoff and landed on sandy ground beside the runway, but reduced braking effectiveness led the aircraft into a ditch.
Accident Overview
Shortly after lift-off, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind. The pilot failed to compensate adequately for the wind conditions, resulting in a loss of aircraft control. The pilot decided to reject the takeoff and execute a landing.
Landing and Aftermath
The aircraft touched down on sandy ground on the right side of the runway. Braking effectiveness was reduced due to the sandy condition of the soil. The pilot was unable to prevent the aircraft from continuing into a ditch after the landing.
Contributing Factors
According to the investigation, the pilot did not adequately adjust for the wind conditions, which led to the loss of control and subsequent rejected takeoff. The sandy soil further complicated the landing by reducing braking effectiveness, ultimately causing the aircraft to enter a ditch.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to compensate adequately for wind conditions, resulting in a loss of control.