Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a subsequent impact with a snowbank.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing after a go-around, the airplane touched down about 5 ft left of the runway centerline and veered left. He corrected with opposite rudder and aileron, but the airplane continued left, exited the runway, and impacted a snowbank.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 210° at 11 knots. The pilot reported that the wind was from 220° at 9 knots, gusting to 14 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 13.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA145 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lacon, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Marshall County (C75)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA32
- N-number
- N3708W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.