What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-11-08 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N1685A, operated by Walter L. Smith, at Stebbins, AK.

Crosswind Landing Results in Runway Excursion (N1685A)

On November 8, 1991, a Piper PA-20 (registration N1685A) operated by Walter L. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Stebbins, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND DURING LANDING. FACTORS WERE THE CROSSWIND AND THE ATTEMPTED GO AROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a crosswind landing, the pilot reported the upwind wing rose after touchdown. An attempted go-around failed, and the airplane impacted the ground on the downwind gear, then slid across a frozen lake.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, as the upwind main landing gear touched down, the upwind wing began to rise, and he was unable to control it. He attempted a go-around, but the upwind wing continued upward, and the airplane impacted the ground on the right main landing gear (the downwind gear) and the right wing. The wreckage departed the runway and slid across a frozen lake.

Wind Conditions

The wind was a direct crosswind blowing at 10 to 12 knots with gusts to 15 knots.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that as the upwind main landing gear touched down, the upwind wing began to rise and he was unable to control it. He attempted a go around but the upwind wing continued upward and the airplane impacted the ground on the right main landing gear, the downwind gear, and the right wing.

Post-Impact

After impact, the airplane wreckage departed the runway and slid across a frozen lake.

1991-11-08: Piper PA-20 (N1685A) — Walter L. Smith — Stebbins, AK