1990-07-29: Piper J-3 CUB — Clay Banks, WI

Casualties unknown • Clay Banks, WI, US

Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING THE DESCENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S POOR WEATHER EVALUATION, AND CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING ACROSS THE LAKE AT ABOUT 500' AGL. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE ONTO LAND 'THE VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME OBSCURED.' THE PILOT PERFORMED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND BEGAN TO DESCEND, INTENDING TO LAND HIS FLOAT PLANE ON THE LAKE ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND POWER LINES DURING THE DESCENT, AND FELL TO THE GROUND.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-07-29 Piper J-3 CUB accident near Clay Banks, WI?

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING ACROSS THE LAKE AT ABOUT 500' AGL. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT CROSSED OVER THE SHORELINE ONTO LAND 'THE VISIBILITY SUDDENLY BECAME OBSCURED.' THE PILOT PERFORMED A 180 DEGREE TURN AND BEGAN TO DESCEND, INTENDING TO LAND HIS FLOAT PLANE ON THE LAKE ALONG THE SHORELINE. THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-07-29 involved a Piper J-3 CUB, registration N1455N, at Clay Banks, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING THE DESCENT. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ARE THE PILOT'S POOR WEATHER EVALUATION, AND CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IFR CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23665. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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