# NTSB CHI86LA049: Piper PA-28-181, N8458H, Dodgeville, WI, December 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 15, 1985, 15:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Dodgeville, WI
- Coordinates: 42.959686, -90.130195 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9597&lon=-90.1302&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): 13393
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13393/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA049

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - rudder - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER A X-COUNTRY FLT AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE ACFT STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT ON THE SNOW COVERED RWY. THE LEFT MAIN GEAR THEN ENCOUNTERED DEEPER SNOW CAUSING THE ACFT TO SWING TO THE LEFT AND RUN INTO A SIX-FT SNOWBANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8458H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8458H), registered now, S/N 28-8290053, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 288290053
- Airframe hours: 1016
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Iowa City Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1985, 11 hours before
- Departed: IOW, IOWA CITY, IA
- Destination: 55C
- Airport: 55C, Dodgeville, runway 30, 2,740 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 88 total, 6 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 18 °F, dew point 3 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSN, 38 nm away

## 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 19851215063359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851215063359A), Dec 15, 1985: Piper PA28181, Dodgeville, WI, Substantial damage. During landing rollout, the left main tire rolled into soft snow, pulling the aircraft into a snow bank.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.