CHI94LA108

The pilot was making an off airport landing on a gravel road when the accident occurred. He was landing to the south with winds from an easterly direction at 12 knots gusting to 15 knots. The pilot stated that when he reached a crest in the road, the airplane weather vaned into the wind and the left wing contacted a fence post. The airplane then veered 90 degrees and the right main gear contacted another post.

On March 10, 1994, at 1830 central standard time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N14395, operated by Ice Flying Service, contacted fence posts following a loss of directional control during an off airport landing near Ottumwa, South Dakota. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The local 14 CFR Part 91 business flight originated from Ottumwa, South Dakota.

The pilot reported he was flagging a field for another airplane which was involved in an aerial application operation. He stated he was moving to a better location when the accident occurred. He stated that because the field was wet, he decided to land on a nearby gravel road. He reported the local winds were from 110 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 15 knots and he was landing in a southerly direction. During the landing roll the airplane weather vaned into the wind (left) as it reached a crest in the road. The pilot stated he added full power in an attempt to takeoff, but the left wing contacted a fence post so he reduced power. The airplane then pivoted 90 degrees, and the right gear contacted another fence post before the airplane came to a stop.