Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions which led to his loss of aircraft control. Factors were the wind gusts, the ditch, and the fence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 4, 2004, about 2230 central daylight time, a Piper PA28-140, N55930, piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it struck a fence after it went off the left side of runway 34 (4,400 feet by 75 feet, asphalt), at the Rush City Regional Airport, Rush City, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in night visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. No injuries were reported. The local flight originated about 2200.
The pilot reported that during the landing approach, the airplane experienced gusty winds. He stated that just before touchdown, the airplane was blown left of the runway centerline and he decided to execute a go-around. He said that as he added power, the airplane touched down and was pulled to the left and off of the runway. He stated that he cut the power and went through a ditch and a barbed wire fence before coming to rest.
The winds at 2235 were recorded as: 360 degrees magnetic at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI04CA170