History of Flight
On July 30, 2008, about 1330 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22, registration N3671A, operated under 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan, crashed during takeoff from runway 36L at Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The pilot, who held a Commercial Certificate, and two passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with gusting westerly winds. The aircraft was departing the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported observing a stall approximately 50 feet above the ground, followed by a roll and impact with the ground. One witness noted that the aircraft crabbed into the wind during takeoff, raised the nose unusually high, and maintained that attitude until stalling and nosing in.
Pilot Information
The commercial pilot had approximately 5,000 total flight hours, including 800 hours in the Piper PA-22, with 30 hours in the preceding 30 days and 2.5 hours in the last 24 hours. The pilot held a third-class medical certificate with corrective lenses and a current Biennial Flight Review.
Aircraft Information
Piper PA-22 N3671A was a high-wing, four-seat airplane with fixed landing gear and a semi-monocoque structure. It was powered by a 135-horsepower Lycoming O-290 engine. Total airframe and engine time was about 4,400 hours. The most recent annual inspection was performed on July 11, 2008. The aircraft was operated in the Normal Category.
Meteorological Conditions
The pilot reported clear skies, visibility of 10 miles or more, winds from 280 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 18 knots, temperature 84°F, and density altitude of 918 feet.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft came to rest on the right side of runway 36L approximately midfield. Examination of the flight control system revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.
Airport Information
Wittman Regional Airport was operating under special flight procedures for the 2008 AirVenture event from July 25 to August 3, 2008.
Additional Information
The pilot reported the aircraft's maximum gross weight as 1,950 pounds and the accident weight as 1,900 pounds. The pilot stated that during takeoff, a wind gust exceeding 20 mph from the west pushed the aircraft off the runway. After recovering, while climbing at about 60 feet, another wind gust—a downdraft—affected the left wing. The pilot attempted recovery by lowering the nose with level wings, but the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground, collapsing the nose gear and then the main gear, and skidding over 150 feet on the fuselage bottom.