Amateur-built RV4 N544WM accident near Hortonville, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The loss of direction control while maneuvering off the plowed surface to avoid a collision with a vehicle.

NTSB analysis

While landing on a frozen lake, the pilot observed a van at the end of the plowed airstrip. The pilot did not know the driver’s intention and decided to steer the airplane off the plowed area into the snow to slow the airplane before getting close to the van. The right tire hit a frozen obstruction and the airplane turned right and nosed down. Substantial damage was sustained to an engine mount and the lower firewall. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions that contributed to the accident. The pilot stated that he did not realize that the snow at the edge was so frozen and deep.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA112 for the full record.