Casualties unknown

1997-05-13: Piper PA-12 (N712MW) — Sheboygan, WI

Sheboygan, WI, US

On May 13, 1997, a Piper PA-12 (registration N712MW) was involved in an aviation accident near Sheboygan, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the sudden change in wind conditions. 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

A pilot lost directional control after a three-point landing when the right wing rose. Post-accident observations showed a wind sock fluctuating rapidly and nearby weather station data indicating gusty winds.

Event Details

The pilot of an airplane reported that after completing an uneventful three-point landing in calm wind conditions, the right wing suddenly rose. The pilot was able to bring the wing back down, but subsequently lost directional control, causing the airplane to slide sideways to the right side of the runway.

Pilot Report

Following the accident, the pilot noticed that the wind sock at the airport would change quickly from limp to straight out, indicating variable wind conditions. The pilot then checked the weather information displayed in the airport lobby, which indicated winds from 100 degrees at 7 knots.

Weather Information

A weather reporting station located 38 miles away reported calm winds at 1029 CDT, and winds from 090 degrees at 8 knots at 1253 CDT. These observations, combined with the pilot's report of the wind sock behavior, suggest that wind conditions may have been variable around the time of the landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07872. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.