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NTSB Report

June 22, 2006 · Weatherly 201B · N1263W

Bowbells, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Bowbells, ND
Aircraft
Weatherly 201B
Tail Number
N1263W
Operator
Great Plains Aero
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI06CA162

The airplane impacted rising terrain during an agricultural application flight and was subsequently destroyed during a post impact ground fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported that he was spraying a pasture in a hilly area prior to the accident. He stated that as he turned toward the south to go to another field, he encountered a 500-foot high hill in his flight path. He noted that there were hills on both sides and antennas to the west of his position preventing a turn to avoid the rising terrain in front of him. He stated that the airplane was unable to clear the top of the hill and was subsequently destroyed during a post impact ground fire. The pilot commented that the airplane might have encountered a gust of wind as he attempted to clear the hill. He stated that there were no malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot reported winds were from the northwest at 3 knots, gusting to 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance to the rising terrain while maneuvering during the agricultural application flight. Contirbuting factors were the low altitude operation and the rising terrain.

Full Narrative

The airplane impacted rising terrain during an agricultural application flight and was subsequently destroyed during a post impact ground fire. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The pilot reported that he was spraying a pasture in a hilly area prior to the accident. He stated that as he turned toward the south to go to another field, he encountered a 500-foot high hill in his flight path. He noted that there were hills on both sides and antennas to the west of his position preventing a turn to avoid the rising terrain in front of him. He stated that the airplane was unable to clear the top of the hill and was subsequently destroyed during a post impact ground fire. The pilot commented that the airplane might have encountered a gust of wind as he attempted to clear the hill. He stated that there were no malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane prior to the accident. The pilot reported winds were from the northwest at 3 knots, gusting to 8 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWeatherly 201B
Tail NumberN1263W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGreat Plains Aero
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-985 · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 3 kt, gusting 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data