# NTSB CHI95LA239: K. Davey And B. Davey WAG-AERO, N642KW, Hokah, MN, July 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1995, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Hokah, MN
- Coordinates: 43.759754, -91.350906 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7598&lon=-91.3509&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 19, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9960
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA239
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9960/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA239

## Probable cause

the pilot performing low altitude flight and the failure to maintain clearance with the trees.  A factors associated with the accident was the trees.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low altitude flight/maneuver - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS FLYING LOW IN A VALLEY.  HE WAS UNABLE TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO CLEAR TREES AT THE TOP EDGE OF THE VALLEY, WHICH WAS ABOUT 150 FEET OF ELEVATION CHANGE.  HE STATED THE AIR TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT BREEZE CREATED A DOWNDRAFT AT THE TOP OF THE VALLEY WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE AIRPLANE'S INSUFFICIENT CLIMB AND AIRSPEED.  THE PILOT ALSO STATED THAT HE DEMONSTRATED POOR JUDGMENT TO BE FLYING LOW IN A VALLEY.

## Factual narrative

On July 24, 1995, at 1330, central daylight time, a Wag-Aero, Sport Trainer, N642KW, sustained substantial damage when it impacted with trees while maneuvering after takeoff from LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  The commercial pilot reported minor injuries to himself and to the passenger. The 14 CFR Part 91 departed LaCrosse, Wisconsin, en route to Caledonia, Minnesota.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot stated that he was flying low in a valley.  He was unable to achieve sufficient altitude to clear the trees at the top edge of the valley which was about a 150 foot elevation change.  He stated the air temperature and light breeze created a downdraft at the top of the valley which contributed to the airplane's insufficient climb and airspeed.  The pilot also stated that he demonstrated poor judgment to be flying low in a valley.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N642KW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N642KW), registered now, S/N 876 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: K. DAVEY AND B. DAVEY WAG-AERO
- Registry model: [Davey B V / Davey K E WAG AERO SPT TRAINER](https://openairdocs.org/model/davey-b-v-davey-k-e-wag-aero-spt-trainer) (registry code 05691EY) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 876
- Airframe hours: 523
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth E. Davey
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1994, 23 hours before
- Departed: LSE, LACROSSE, WI
- Destination: CHU, CALEDONIA, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 1,055 total, 97 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19950724043539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950724043539A), Jul 24, 1995: Amtrwg WAGARO, Hokah, MN, Substantial damage. Flying low in a valley near gross wt. Stalled trying to avoid trees. Flying rear seat. View instruments limited. (-23) departed lse VFR enroute to caledonia,…

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.