Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include the soft, wet airstrip, and a ditch near the side of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on a local pleasure flight, the pilot decided to land at a dirt airstrip that was wet, soft, and muddy. During the landing roll the aircraft departed the side of the runway and impacted a ditch.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 2, 1994, at 1630 Pacific standard time, a Beech A23, N4792J, impacted the terrain during the landing roll at Reds Wallowa Horse Ranch Airstrip. The certified flight instructor, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The local personal pleasure flight, which departed Union County Airport, La Grande, Oregon, about 1500, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the pilot, he was sightseeing in the local area, and decided to land at the remote airstrip in order to take some pictures. At the time of his landing, the runway was wet, muddy, and soft, and when he touched down the aircraft was pulled off to one side of the runway. As the aircraft exited the runway it impacted a ditch, and sustained substantial damage to the airframe. -