Accident Details
On November 11, 2011, about 1900 central standard time, a Cessna 180, registration N3606C, impacted a pole during a precautionary landing on a highway near Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Night visual flight rules conditions prevailed, and the flight operated without a flight plan.
Flight History
The flight departed Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) near Eau Claire at about 1640, destined for Crystal Airport (MIC) near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The pilot reported that he had departed MIC earlier, about 1430 to 1500, for a sightseeing flight along the St. Croix River to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He did not intend to land at La Crosse. He refueled at Rice Lake, Wisconsin, before starting his return to MIC as dusk conditions began.
Electrical Failure and Landing
While en route during the return flight, the airplane experienced a loss of electrical power, rendering the cockpit “virtually black.” The pilot used a flashlight to illuminate the cockpit as he searched for a diversion airport for over an hour. After not finding a nearby airport, he elected to perform a precautionary landing on a roadway. The pilot reported that the tailwheel castored, hit an obstacle, “and did a fair amount of damage to the airplane.” He listed no other mechanical malfunctions beyond the loss of electrical power.
Previous Airport Visit
The manager of the fixed base operator (FBO) at EAU reported that the accident airplane had landed there around 1620. The pilot asked an FBO employee which airport this was and was told it was EAU. According to the manager, the pilot stated he had originated from the La Crosse area and was trying to get to Stillwater, Minnesota. FBO staff pointed out the general direction toward Stillwater. The pilot seemed shocked when he discovered there was a control tower at the airport and realized he had landed without any radio communication.
The manager reported that the pilot said his airplane’s engine was flooded and he could not get it started. The manager assisted in starting the engine. The pilot asked which direction was north; the manager pointed west and said that west was the direction to Stillwater. The manager reminded the pilot to contact the control tower and depart to the west. The pilot taxied out about 1640 without contacting the control tower. The manager next heard about the pilot after the highway landing.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage on-scene and confirmed substantial damage to the left wing. A subsequent examination revealed that the airplane’s battery was in a low power state.
Weather Conditions
At 1956, the recorded weather at EAU was: wind 190 degrees at 4 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 3 degrees C; dew point -3 degrees C; altimeter 29.62 inches of mercury.