NTSB Factual Report

On July 7, 2005, at 0900 central daylight time, a Schweizer G-146B, N6631Q, collided with the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff to the west on a private airstrip (2,200 feet by 16 feet, asphalt) in Buxton, North Dakota. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported the airplane was loaded with 265 gallons of fungicide in preparation for an aerial application flight. He stated that he performed an engine run-up which was normal. He stated that just after lifting off, the engine began to lose power and he did not have enough runway left to land back on the runway. The pilot stated he was able to clear a ditch and a north/south road at the end of the runway and decided to attempt to land on an east/west road in front of him. He stated he contacted the south side of the road at which time the left gear collapsed. The airplane then slid across the road and came to rest in a ditch on the north side of the road.

Post accident examination of the airplane was conducted by an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office in Fargo, North Dakota. The inspector reported the airplane sustained impact damage to the left wing main attach fitting, the left main gear, and the firewall. The inspector stated the magnetos fired when tested and continuity was established throughout the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power on takeoff due to undetermined reasons. A factor was the ditch that the airplane contacted during the forced landing.