Primary finding
Probable cause
wake turbulence from another airplane encountered at an altitude which precluded regaining control of the airplane by the pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
the pilot and both of his passengers stated that another airplane flew in front of their flight path as they were on short final approach. The airplane then landed hard. The pilot said that turbulence from the other airplane resulted in a temporary loss of control.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 2, 1997, at 2000 central daylight time, a Cessna 182P, N125MW, sustained substantial damage during a landing on runway 36R, at Wittman Field, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The pilot said he thought he lost control due to turbulence from another airplane on final who overflew the flight path of his airplane. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight departed Platteville, Wisconsin, at 1838. The pilot and both passengers noted that while established on final another high wing airplane overflew their flight path in an attempt to land on the same runway. The other airplane did execute a go around; however the pilot thought that due to turbulence from the other airplane, he lost control of his airplane and it experienced a hard landing. A post accident examination of the accident airplane failed to reveal any preexisting anomalies. -