On July 17, 1989, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N8005W) operated by Thompson, Donald J. was involved in an aviation accident near Chippewa Falls, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. DURING THE ENSUING ABORTED LANDING, THE PILOT FAILED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE AND THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WING STRUCK THE WIND SOCK POLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a landing attempt with a 15-20 knot right crosswind, the pilot applied excessive left rudder, causing a leftward touchdown angle. The landing was aborted, but at 4 feet AGL, the left wing struck a wind sock pole and separated.
Incident Summary
During an attempted landing, an aircraft encountered a right crosswind of 15 to 20 knots. The pilot applied left rudder just before touchdown. The pilot later stated that he must have applied too much left rudder, as the aircraft touched down at a slight angle to the left.
Sequence of Events
After touchdown, the aircraft began to angle off the left side of the runway. The pilot decided to abort the landing and initiated a climb. Shortly after becoming airborne, at an altitude of approximately 4 feet above ground level, the left wing struck a wind sock pole. The impact caused the left wing to separate from the rest of the aircraft.
What happened in the 17 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Chippewa Falls, WI?
During a landing attempt with a 15-20 knot right crosswind, the pilot applied excessive left rudder, causing a leftward touchdown angle. The landing was aborted, but at 4 feet AGL, the left wing struck a wind sock pole and separated.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N8005W, operated by Thompson, Donald J., at Chippewa Falls, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LAND IN CROSSWIND CONDITIONS. DURING THE ENSUING ABORTED LANDING, THE PILOT FAILED TO ENSURE ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE AND THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WING STRUCK THE WIND SOCK POLE.
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