N1263W

Substantial
Minor

Weatherly 201BS/N: 617

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, June 22, 2006
NTSB Number
CHI06CA162
Location
Bowbells, ND
Event ID
20060728X01043
Coordinates
48.816112, -102.253608
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

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.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1263W
Make
WEATHERLY
Serial Number
617
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
201BW201
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
BREKHUS PALMER A
Address
5440 HIGHWAY 5
Status
Deregistered
City
TOLLEY
State / Zip Code
ND 58787-9635
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI06CA162