Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a collision with a hangar and parked aircraft. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's encounter with rain, sleet, snow, and icing conditions, and airframe icing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On December 8, 1996, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Lake LA-4 airplane, N7632L, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a parked airplane and a hangar during an aborted landing on runway 23 at Gallia-Meigs Airport (GAS) in Gallipolis, Ohio. The student pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight originated in Troy, Michigan at approximately 1030 central standard time with an intended destination of Gallipolis, Ohio (GAS). The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot reported to the Gallipolis Police Department that while "... making a standard approach a strong crosswind blew the aircraft - an attempt to go around was made but the aircraft stalled - went off the runway and damaged a parked [airplane]." A witness reported to the police that the airplane bounced upon touchdown, reached an altitude of eight to ten feet, and turned to the left. He stated that the airplane then impacted the ramp, slid several feet, struck a parked airplane and then collided with a hangar.
In a subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that 30 miles from Gallia-Meigs Airport the airplane encountered snow and then approximately "...10 miles out encountered freezing rain/sleet/snow." He stated that the "...airplane was flying poorly because of ice but still controllable. At one point need[ed] substantial right rudder to maintain level flight. Decided to approach high since I know the stall speed would be higher with the ice. Normal approach in this airplane is 70 MPH over the numbers. I crossed the numbers [around] 82 MPH." The pilot reported that while on final approach for Runway 23 the winds shifted from 230 degrees to 320 degrees "...with hard buffeting gusts over the hills to my right. As soon as the airplane went into ground effect it stopped flying - came down hard on the left main - I applied some power to regain control - the plane came down hard just off the runway in soft soil...." struck the parked airplane and the hangar.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC97LA027