Aircraft flips during rollout at Wittman Field

Casualties unknown • Oshkosh, WI, US

An aircraft overturned on runway 27 at Wittman Field after encountering wind gusts during the landing rollout.

What happened

The pilot checked the weather via the Wittman Field Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) prior to landing, noting a crosswind from the southwest at 14 knots with gusts. The pilot executed a crosswind landing on runway 27 and initially landed normally.

During the landing rollout, a gust of wind struck the aircraft from the left, causing the left side of the plane to lift. Although the pilot attempted to correct the movement using aileron input, he was unable to compensate for the wind gusts. Consequently, the aircraft departed the runway to the right and flipped, eventually coming to rest in an inverted position. The aircraft's wings sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

An examination of the airplane was conducted, which revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Probable cause

The pilot was unable to compensate for wind gusts during the landing rollout, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and flip.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-04-04 Piper PA-22 accident near Oshkosh, WI?

An aircraft overturned on runway 27 at Wittman Field after encountering wind gusts during the landing rollout.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-04-04 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N9231D, at Oshkosh, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot was unable to compensate for wind gusts during the landing rollout, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and flip.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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