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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

August 10, 2003 · Weatherly 620A · N4656M

Doland, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 10, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Doland, SD
Aircraft
Weatherly 620A
Tail Number
N4656M
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA254

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it veered off the left side of the runway and impacted trees while landing. The pilot reported the airplane struck power lines while performing an aerial application to a field. The airplane remained airborne, and the pilot returned to his private airstrip about seven and a half miles south of the power lines. The pilot reported that the power line had wrapped around the landing gear and tore the brake line to the left and right main landing gear. The pilot stated that while en route to the airstrip he determined the landing gear brakes were not operational due to the impact with the wires.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires and directional control not being possible due to the failure of the brake system. Factors contributing to the accident were the wires, the trees, and the failure of the brake system.

Full Narrative

On August 10, 2003, at 1415 central daylight time, a Weatherly 620A, N4656M, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees while landing on runway 30 (2,528 feet by 100 feet, turf) at Hofer Private Airport (SD13), Doland, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local aerial application flight originated at 1345. The pilot reported he struck power lines while performing an aerial application to a field. The airplane remained airborne, and the pilot returned to his private airstrip about seven and a half miles south of the power lines. The pilot reported that the power line had wrapped around the landing gear and tore the brake line to the left and right main landing gears. Prior to the landing, the pilot applied pressure to the brakes and realized the brakes would not be operational during the landing. While landing the airplane veered off the runway and impacted trees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CDT
Nearest AirportHofer Private Airport (0nm)
Runway12
Runway Length2528 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeatherly 620A
Tail NumberN4656M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · 985 14-B · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data