NYC94LA020

Factual narrative

On Sunday, October 24, 1993, at 1536 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182H, N2111W, registered to and piloted by Frederick A. Ware, Jr., was destroyed while attempting a takeoff from the Lakeside Airport, Griswold, Connecticut. The pilot and pilot/passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. Witnesses observed the airplane take off on runway 11. After becoming airborne, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline and collided with trees. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and was destroyed by fire. The witnesses said that at the time of the accident there was a strong crosswind and gusty wind conditions at the airport. In his report, the pilot stated: ...I performed a pre-flight inspection and engine run-up as usual. Although the wind had changed direction, it now appeared to be going down the runway with less velocity than when we landed. I attempted a take off. Once airborne, a very strong crosswind took over and the engine didn't seem to have its usual power...While I fought to counteract the efforts of the wind and keep the wings level, the wind turned out to be just too strong and the plane hit a tree on the side of the runway. There was no wind information recorded at the airport. The nearest official wind was reported at Groton, Connecticut, located 16 miles from the accident. These winds were reported as: 230 degrees at 15 knots. Mr. Burt Lappe, Air Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) for the Federal Aviation Administration, conducted an examination of the engine. He stated that impact and fire damage prevented running the engine, but he was able to check the magnetos for spark; observe rotation of the engine drive train from the propeller to the accessory section; and confirm compression in each cylinder. No discrepancies were noted in his examination. THE PILOT REPORTED, 'I ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF. ONCE AIRBORNE, A VERY STRONG CROSSWIND TOOK OVER AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T SEEM TO HAVE ITS USUAL POWER.' THE PILOT TRIED TO COUNTERACT THE WIND, BUT THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED OFF THE CENTERLINE AND IMPACTED TREES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. WITNESSES REPORTED THERE WAS A STRONG CROSSWIND AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE INVESTIGATION DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12