CESSNA 150M near Cottage Grove, WI — 2012-07-31

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to land on a runway with significant overgrown vegetation along the edges and his landing, which was left of the centerline.

NTSB narrative

After an uneventful local flight, the pilot decided to land on runway 4 since he had not landed on that runway in a long time. After a normal approach, the pilot landed the airplane just slightly left of the centerline but did not think that it was overly to the left. As the airplane coasted to taxi speed, the left wing contacted high vegetation and overgrown brush overhanging the left side of the runway. The airplane then veered to the left off the side of the runway and collided into brush and small trees, resulting in substantial damage to the leading edges of both wings. High vegetation, up to 12 feet tall, was found by the runway and was overhanging the west side of the runway by 2 to 4 feet. High vegetation was also overhanging the east side of the runway by 1 to 3 feet. The published runway 4 width is 57 feet, but the usable width for landing was narrowed by about 7 feet due to the overgrown vegetation. The pilot stated that he should have landed on runway 27, knowing that it was clear of vegetation on both sides. He said that he was not aware of just how much brush had overgrown the sides of runway 4 since the last time he landed there a few years ago. The pilot stated that if he had made a more perfect landing on the centerline and rolled out on centerline, the wingtip of the airplane would not have contacted the overgrown brush. Currently, the published information for the airfield includes information stating that brush and high vegetation surround the edges of runways 4/22.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have chosen runway 27, which was clear of vegetation.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Blackhawk Airfield Informationform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Photo 1 Damage to Airplanephotos
• Photo 2 View of Runway with Overgrown Vegetationphotos
• Photo 3 Closeup View of Overgrown Vegetation on the Side of the Runwayphotos

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