# NTSB CHI96LA263: Rockwell S-2D, N1768S, Bancroft, WI, July 31, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 30, 1996, 19:45 local (Jul 31, 1996, 00:45 UTC) - Place: Bancroft, WI - Coordinates: 44.309181, -89.510574 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3092&lon=-89.5106&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report October 4, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10332 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA263 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10332/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA263 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground swerve, encounter with soft/sandy terrain, and a subsequent noseover. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's selection of the wrong runway, and the resultant tailwind. ## 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 - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - ground loop/swerve - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor) - Nose over, landing - roll ## Analysis The pilot landed on runway 18 with a tailwind from 340 degrees at 6 gusting 11 knots. He reported that the airplane veered to the right and existed the runway. The pilot tried to correct the airplane, but was not successful. The airplane then encountered a soft sandy shoulder and nosed over. ## Factual narrative On July 30, 1996, at 1945 central daylight time (cdt), a Rockwell S-2D, N1768S, registered to Farmer's Flying Service, Inc., of Bancroft, Wisconsin, was substantially damaged following a loss of control and nose over during the landing roll on a private airstrip in Bancroft, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Bancroft, Wisconsin, exact time unknown. According to the pilot's written statement, while landing on runway 18, with a tailwind, the pilot could not keep the tail wheel down on the ground as the airplane veered to the right side of the runway. The pilot said he tried to turn left but the airplane exited the right side of the runway about mid-field and encountered a soft sandy shoulder. The airplane then nosed over. At fifty five minutes before the accident, Central Wisconsin Airport reported winds from 340 degrees at 6 knots with gusts to 11 knots. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1768S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1768S-2004-09-10), registration cancelled 2004-09-10, S/N 600-1415D, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Rockwell S-2D - Registry model: [Aero Commander 600 S-2D RESTRICTED](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-commander-600-s-2d-restricted) (registry code 0143012) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R1340 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r1340-series) (registry code 52016, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 600-1415D - Engines: P&W R-1340 1340 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Farmer'S Fly Service, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Airport: Private Airstrip, runway 18, 2,000 × 10 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 420 total, 74 in this make and model, 330 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 70 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 6 knots, gusting 11 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 52 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: CWA, 32 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 19960730020279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960730020279A), Jul 30, 1996: Ayres 600S2DRESTD, Bancroft, WI, Substantial damage. (.4)The pilot landed on runway 18 with a tailwind from 340 degrees at 6 gusting 11 knots. He reported that the airplane veered to the right and existed the… 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.