# NTSB CHI96LA137: Piper PA-32-260, N4883S, Aitkin, MN, April 22, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 21, 1996, 19:00 local (Apr 22, 1996, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Aitkin, MN
- Coordinates: 46.530345, -93.710083 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5303&lon=-93.7101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 3, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10232
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10232/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA137

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in his failure (or inability) to adequately compensation for wind conditions.  Factors relating to the accident were: the gusty crosswind condition and the snowbank.

## 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
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16 in winds that he reported were from the west at 28 to 30 mph. During the landing, the airplane veered to the right into a snowbank and sustained substantial damage. About 45 minutes before the accident, the wind was reported to be from 280 degrees at 8 knots with gusts to 18 knots.

## Factual narrative

On April 21, 1996, at 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32- 260, N4883S, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on landing at the Aitkin, Minnesota Municipal Airport.  The airplane exited the runway to the right and the right wing impacted a snow drift on the right edge of the runway.  The pilot reported no injuries.  The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.  The flight departed O'Neill, Nebraska about 1600.

The pilot reported that winds were 28 to 30 mph from the west.  He was landing on runway 16 (3,398' x 75' dry/asphalt).  He said that the wind picked up the right wing and although he was able to level the wings he was unable to keep the airplane from departing to the runway to the right.

Weather observations taken at the accident airport at 1815 (45 minutes prior to the accident), indicated the wind to be 280 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4883S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4883S), registered now, S/N 32-7100007, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7100007
- Engines: Lycoming O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Exports, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 13, 1996, 20 hours before
- Departed: ONL, O'NEILL, NE
- Destination: AIT
- Airport: AIT, Aitkin Municipal, runway 16, 3,398 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 746 total, 41 in this make and model, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AIT

## 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 19960421008109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960421008109A), Apr 21, 1996: Piper PA32260, Aitkin, MN, Substantial damage. Landing downwind. Lost control. Veered into a snowbank. (-23) on April 21, 1996, at 17:00 gmt, a Piper PA-32-260, piloted by raymond j. hogan, private pilot…

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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