# NTSB CHI97LA184: Weatherly 201C, N1299W, Buffalo, ND, June 25, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 25, 1997, 06:30 local (11:30 UTC)
- Place: Buffalo, ND
- Coordinates: 46.920166, -97.549591 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9202&lon=-97.5496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 31, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10611
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA184
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10611/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA184

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.  Water on the runway and the soft terrain were related factors.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

The pilot reported that there was visible standing water on the runway when he initiated the takeoff roll.  He said that during the takeoff roll, 'the left main wheel contacted some water on the runway and dragged the airplane left, off the runway to a soft field.'  After reaching the soft field, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest on its back.

## Factual narrative

On June 25, at 0630 central daylight time, a Weatherly 201C, N1299W, exited the prepared runway surface, following a loss of directional control during a takeoff roll on runway 36 (2,500' X 50', grass), at Grieve Airport (Y-20), near Buffalo, North Dakota.  The 14 CFR Part 91 aircraft repositioning flight was departing in visual meteorological conditions for the local planed flight.  No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported minor injuries.  The airplane sustained substantial damage.

In a telephone conversation, the pilot reported that it had rained for 72 hours before the time of the accident.  The pilot stated that he wanted to reposition his aircraft to a dryer field because of the existing runway conditions.  The pilot reported that there was visible standing water on the runway when he initiated the takeoff roll.  The pilot said that during the takeoff roll, "the left main wheel contacted some water on the runway and dragged the airplane left, off the runway to a soft field."  Upon reaching the soft field the aircraft nosed over and came to rest on its back.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1299W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1299W-2004-08-06), registration cancelled 2004-08-06, S/N 1007, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Weatherly 201C
- Registry model: [Weatherly 201C](https://openairdocs.org/model/weatherly-201c) (registry code 9630410) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-985 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-985-series) (registry code 52008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1007
- Airframe hours: 4286
- Engines: P&W R-985-AN1 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Registered owner: Scott A. Hoff
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, July 15, 1996, 40 hours before
- Departed: Y20
- Destination: RLA, EMBDEN, ND
- Airport: Y20, Grieve, runway 36, 2,500 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 600 total, 40 in this make and model, 479 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAR, 20 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19970625045999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970625045999A), Jun 25, 1997: Wthrly 201C, Buffalo, ND, No damage. (-23) On take-off from grieve's grass strip (Y-20) the aircraft's left main wheel contacted a soft portion of the runway. The pilot lost directional control…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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