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Pilot Misses Two Approaches, Stalls During Turn, Damages Airplane on Snowy Terrain (N6205J)

Marshfield, WI, US

On February 7, 1991, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N6205J) operated by Aviation Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Marshfield, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH ONTO SNOW COVERED TERRAIN BESIDE THE RUNWAY. THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot missed an SDF approach and an ILS approach at two different airports before returning to the original destination. While maneuvering for landing, the airplane stalled during a tight turn and touched down on snow-covered terrain, damaging the landing gear, belly, and propeller.

Flight and Missed Approaches

The pilot initially attempted a straight-in (SDF) approach to his destination but missed it. He then diverted to another airport, where he also missed an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. While en route to a third airport, the pilot passed over his original destination and obtained visual contact with the airport.

Attempt to Land

After re-establishing visual contact, the pilot flew the length of the runway to check visibility and observed a cloud near the approach end. He then entered a downwind leg for Runway 34 and turned base approximately halfway down the runway length.

Accident Sequence

During a tight turn from base to final approach, the airplane stalled and settled to the ground. It subsequently touched down on snow-covered terrain off the left side of the runway.

Damage

The hard landing damaged the landing gear, belly, and propeller of the aircraft.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1991 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Marshfield, WI?

A pilot missed an SDF approach and an ILS approach at two different airports before returning to the original destination. While maneuvering for landing, the airplane stalled during a tight turn and touched down on snow-covered terrain, damaging the landing gear, belly, and propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Feb 1991 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N6205J, operated by Aviation Services, Inc., at Marshfield, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH ONTO SNOW COVERED TERRAIN BESIDE THE RUNWAY. THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SNOW COVERED TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.