Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain (landing area) for a precautionary landing. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot became ill during the flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while airborne, he felt ill and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the right wing collided with sage brush. The pilot was then unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently collided with a berm.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 4, 1996, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 161, N3568D, operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with a berm during the landing roll on a dirt road, 28 miles south of Harper, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his three passengers were not injured. The flight had originated from Nampa, Idaho, about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported that while in flight he experienced stomach cramps and dizziness and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. The pilot stated that after the airplane touched down, the right wing collided with a sage brush. The pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane which subsequently collided with a berm. -