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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 4, 1996 · Piper PA-28-161 · N3568D

Harper, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 4, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Harper, OR
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N3568D
Operator
Snake River Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96LA088

The pilot reported that while airborne, he felt ill and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the right wing collided with sage brush. The pilot was then unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently collided with a berm.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain (landing area) for a precautionary landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot became ill during the flight.

Full Narrative

On May 4, 1996, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 161, N3568D, operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with a berm during the landing roll on a dirt road, 28 miles south of Harper, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The flight had originated from Nampa, Idaho, about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported that while in flight he experienced stomach cramps and dizziness and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. The pilot stated that after the airplane touched down, the right wing collided with a sage brush. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane which subsequently collided with a berm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN3568D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSnake River Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data