# NTSB CHI88LA215: Cessna 170, N3804V, Boyceville, WI, August 21, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 21, 1988, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Boyceville, WI
- Coordinates: 45.040977, -92.030815 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0410&lon=-92.0308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14148
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88LA215
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14148/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA215

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A GUST OF WIND AND THE PILOT FAILED TO COMPENSATE ADEQUATELY FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS. THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL AND DECIDED TO REJECT THE TAKEOFF AND EXECUTE A LANDING. THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ON THE SANDY GROUND ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS WAS REDUCED DUE TO THE SANDY CONDITION OF THE SOIL; THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO PREVENT THE AIRCRAFT FROM CONTINUING INTO A DITCH AFTER THE LANDING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3804V](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3804V), registered now, S/N 18662, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 170
- Registry model: [Cessna 170](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-170) (registry code 2072302) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145-2](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-2) (registry code 17170, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18662
- Airframe hours: 2700
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145-2 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Vanus, Harold W.
- Registered owner: Vanus, Harold W.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 20, 1987, 30 hours before
- Destination: LSE, LA CROSSE, WI
- Airport: WI20, Boyceville Muni., runway 22, 2,720 × 40 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 477 total, 15 in this make and model, 477 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAU, 25 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 19880821034259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880821034259A), Aug 21, 1988: Cessna 170, Boyceville, WI, Substantial damage. Lost control when gust hit aircraft just after airborne. Touched down and veered off runway. Skidded into a ditch.

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.