Casualties unknown

1995-09-16: Cessna 177 (N3497T) — Camp Lake, WI

Camp Lake, WI, US

On September 16, 1995, a Cessna 177 (registration N3497T) was involved in an aviation accident near Camp Lake, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and failure to maintain altitude/clearance from the power line, while on short final approach. The downdraft was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane on short final encountered an updraft followed by downdraft, lost altitude, struck a powerline after pilot applied full power, then veered into a corn crop and stopped.

Incident Overview

During the landing sequence, the airplane crossed over a barn while on short final approach. At that moment, the aircraft encountered an updraft, which was immediately followed by a downdraft. Shortly after passing the barn, the airplane began to lose altitude.

Pilot Actions

The pilot responded by applying full power in an attempt to arrest the sink rate. Despite this action, the descent could not be stopped.

Contact with Obstacles

The left wing of the airplane then contacted and severed a powerline wire. Following this contact, the pilot was unable to maintain alignment with the runway. The airplane subsequently touched down on the left edge of the runway, with the left wing contacting a corn crop.

Final Position

After touching down, the airplane veered into the corn crop and traveled approximately 60 feet further before coming to a complete stop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04462. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.