| Crash location | 44.221667°N, 93.918889°W |
| Nearest city | Mankato, MN
44.144689°N, 93.950510°W 5.5 miles away |
| Tail number | N88089 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 23 Jun 2004 |
| Aircraft type | Bellanca 8GCBC |
| Additional details: | None |
On June 23, 2004, at 1615 central daylight time, a Bellanca 8GCBC, N88089, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted a runway light and the ground shortly after takeoff from runway 33 (5,400 feet by 100 feet, asphalt), at the Mankato Regional Airport, Mankato, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was bound for the Tri-County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, Wisconsin.
In a written report, the pilot stated, "I was hit by a gust of wind that raised the tail and left wing. I drifted from the runway and while trying to maintain horizontal control the tail area impacted a runway marker light which enhanced horizontal instability. I began to climb but lost horizontal stability and impacted the ground." The pilot reported the wind was from 270 degrees at 25 knots gusting to 34 knots. He also reported no malfunctions of the airplane.
The pilot's improper decision to initiate the flight given the crosswind wind condition. Additional causes were the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his subsequent failure to maintain aircraft control. The crosswind and the runway light were contributing factors.