Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his failure to maintain directional control while taxiing. Factors in the accident were the icy runway and the gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while taxiing after touchdown, the airplane slid off the side of the runway, impacted a snowbank, and became inverted. He stated that the runway was covered with ice and there was a crosswind. The winds were reported from 330 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 27.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 9, 1996, at 0655 central standard time (cst), a Cessna 182J, N2916F, sustained substantial damage while taxiing after landing at Waukon Municipal Airport, Waukon, Iowa. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight originated from Ankeny, Iowa, at 0545 cst. No flight plan was on file and visual meteorological conditions existed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that while taxiing after touchdown, the airplane slid off the side of runway 25 (2413' x 60'), impacted a snowbank, and became inverted. The pilot stated the runway was covered with ice and there was a crosswind. A weather observation taken from Decorah Municipal Airport, located 12 NM west of Waukon, was taken 10 minutes before the time of the accident. The observation reported a measured ceiling of 1,000 overcast, ten miles viability, and winds from 330 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 27 knots. -