# NTSB CHI85LA123: Piper PA-28-180, N15652, Ephriam, WI, February 25, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 25, 1985, 12:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Ephriam, WI
- Coordinates: 45.150585, -87.159111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.1506&lon=-87.1591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA123

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Hard landing, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - slush covered (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper use of procedure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - psychological condition, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command
  - lack of experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT DURING THE LANDING FLARE. AS THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN THE RIGHT WHEEL ENTERED AN AREA OF SLUSH. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SLID OFF THE RUNWAY TO THE RIGHT INTO A SNOWBANK, DAMAGING THE LANDING GEAR AND LEFT WING TIP. THE PILOT STATED THAT FROM THE AIR THE SLUSHY AREA ON THE RUNWAY APPEARED TO BE A DRY DUSTING OF SNOW. A RIGHT STEADY CROSSWIND COMPONENT OF 15 KNOTS EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N15652](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N15652), registered now, S/N 28-7305109, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7305109
- Airframe hours: 1720
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lauson Chevrolet Company
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1985
- Departed: MTW, MANITOWOC, WI
- Airport: 3D2, Ephriam-Fish Creek, runway 32, 2,700 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 84 total, 67 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 225° at 15 knots, gusting 5
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 36 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850225006969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850225006969A), Feb 25, 1985: Piper PA28180, Ephriam, WI, Substantial damage. Drifted during crosswind flare. Aircraft touched down in deep slush and slid into a snowbank.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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