NTSB Factual Report

On Saturday, March 11, 1995 about 0915 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28RT-201, N8395Y, operated by Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) Aero Club, and piloted by Jerry L. Pringle, was substantially damaged during a go around at Clinton Field (I66) in Wilmington, Ohio. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight originated at WPAFB, Ohio on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR 91.

The pilot reported he departed WPAFB on a local flight to practice maneuvers and touch and goes at I66. While on his second approach at I66 the pilot stated, the airplane was sinking faster than he intended, so he performed a go around. During the go around, about 200 yards from the approach end of the runway, the right main gear stuck a snow bank. During the climb out he observed the right main gear indicator did not show a down and locked position. He radioed ground personnel and asked them to visually check the gear while he made a low pass. Ground personnel indicated to the pilot that the right main gear had, rotated 90 degrees from its normal position.

The pilot elected to return to WPAFB to perform an emergency landing. While at WPAFB the pilot radioed WPAFB Aero Club and discussed emergency procedures, while circling to burn fuel. During the emergency landing, the right main gear collapsed, the airplane turned to the right and went off the right side of the runway.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the right wing spar was bent and the right wing was wrinkled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate terrain clearance during a go around, which resulted in an inflight collision with a snowbank. A factor is the pilot's delay in initiating a go around.