Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot-in-command's not maintaining directional control and his inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors were icy runway and crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he landed on runway 36 with winds from 260 to 280 degrees at 15 to 17 knots. He stated that the runway was icy and braking was poor. On rollout the pilot was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane struck a snowbank.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 5, 1994, at 1400 central standard time, a Piper PA- 28R-201T, N38203, registered to James T. Bator of Westmont, Illinois, and operated by a private pilot, experienced a loss of directional control on landing on runway 36 (4,400' X 80' dry/asphalt) at Delavan, Wisconsin. The airplane sustained substantial damage on impact with a snowbank. The pilot and one passenger 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 West Chicago, Illinois, at 1330. The pilot reported that he landed the airplane on runway 36. He stated that the winds were 260 to 280 degrees at 15 to 17 knots. He stated that the runway was icy and braking was poor. He indicated that while the airplane was on rollout the tail was pushed by the winds and the airplane ran into a snowbank. -