On May 14, 1995, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N5528W) was involved in an aviation accident near East Gull Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Factors in the accident were the crosswind and gusts. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb after takeoff with a direct left crosswind, the airplane struck trees lining the airport perimeter, then banked sharply right and impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent.
Accident Description
The accident occurred during the initial climb after takeoff. The airplane departed with a direct left crosswind. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane struck several trees that lined the perimeter of the airport. Following the impact with the trees, the airplane banked sharply to the right and subsequently impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent.
Weather Conditions at the Time of the Accident
A surface weather observation was taken two minutes after the time of the accident. The observation reported the wind from 270 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 19 knots.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated a total of 122.1 hours of flight time. Of that total, 18.6 hours were dedicated to training in takeoff and landings in crosswind conditions.
What happened in the 14 May 1995 Piper PA-28-160 accident near East Gull Lake, MN?
During initial climb after takeoff with a direct left crosswind, the airplane struck trees lining the airport perimeter, then banked sharply right and impacted the ground in an uncontrolled descent.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 May 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5528W, at East Gull Lake, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the trees. Factors in the accident were the crosswind and gusts.
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