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NTSB Report

June 11, 2005 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8619L

Mapleton, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 11, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mapleton, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8619L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05LA145

The airplane was damaged during an off-airport precautionary landing. The pilot reported that he encountered heavy rain and landed in a soybean field. Weather reports for the vicinity listed heavy rain and visibilities of 1/2 to 3/4 statute mile. The right wing was damaged due to impact with an unknown object.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's continued flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain clearance from an object during the precautionary landing. The heavy rain and the unknown object were factors.

Full Narrative

On June 11, 2005, at 1500 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235, N8619L, piloted by a commercial pilot, sustained substantial damage during a precautionary landing to a soy bean field near Mapleton, North Dakota. The 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in instrument meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot was not injured. The origin and time of origin of the flight has not been determined. At 1453, the recorded weather at the Hector International Airport (FAR), Fargo, North Dakota, located about 14 miles northeast of the accident was: Wind 350 degrees at 11 knots; visibility 3/4 statute miles; sky condition few clouds at 600 feet, 1,600 broken, 2,600 overcast; significant weather, heavy rain and mist; temperature 18 degrees Celsius; dew point 17 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.56 inches of Mercury. At 1503, the recorded weather at FAR was: Wind 010 degrees at 8 knots; visibility 1/2 statute miles; sky condition few clouds at 600 feet, 1,400 broken, 2,100 overcast; significant weather, heavy rain and fog; temperature 18 degrees Celsius; dew point 17 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.56 inches of Mercury. At 1514, the recorded weather at FAR was: Wind 050 degrees at 6 knots; visibility 3/4 statute miles; sky condition 400 feet broken, 1,600 feet broken, 2,600 feet overcast; significant weather, heavy rain and mist; temperature 18 degrees Celsius; dew point 17 degrees Celsius; altimeter setting 29.55 inches of Mercury. The pilot initially reported to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he had flown into very heavy rain and had landed in a soybean field. He told the inspector that he was attempting to get to Kraft Field, Mapleton, North Dakota. The pilot did not file a written report of the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right wing consistent with an impact with an object. It is not known what the object was.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8619L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 8 kt
Visibility0.5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 63 F
Altimeter29.55 inHg
Observation Time20:03
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data