FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Static Wires During Final Approach (N3027F)

Galesville, WI, US

On May 31, 2002, a Cessna 182J (registration N3027F) was involved in an aviation accident near Galesville, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain clearance with the wires while on final approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude, the downdraft, and the wires which the airplane contacted. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with static wires on final approach after encountering downdrafts. The nose gear folded upon landing, and the propeller struck the ground.

Incident Overview

During a landing approach, an airplane collided with static wires. The pilot reported that after adding power, the aircraft encountered a downdraft while on base leg. On final approach, another downdraft was experienced, prompting the pilot to apply full power. Despite this, the airplane struck power lines with the nose gear. According to the pilot, one wire broke and another caught the aircraft, pulling it downward.

Landing and Post-Impact

After touchdown, the nose gear folded back, and the propeller struck the ground.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the incident, wind was reported as 330 degrees at 9 knots at La Crosse Municipal Airport, located 22 miles southeast of Carhart Farms Airport.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 May 2002 Cessna 182J accident near Galesville, WI?

An airplane collided with static wires on final approach after encountering downdrafts. The nose gear folded upon landing, and the propeller struck the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 May 2002 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N3027F, at Galesville, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to maintain clearance with the wires while on final approach. Factors associated with the accident were the low altitude, the downdraft, and the wires which the airplane contacted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020604X00802. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.