Event CHI96LA220

Factual narrative

On June 25, 1996, about 1000 mountain daylight time (mdt), a Grumman AA5B, N6249L, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain near Fryburg, North Dakota. The solo private pilot sustained fatal injuries. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight originated in West Fargo, North Dakota about 0830 central daylight time with a planned destination of Beach, North Dakota. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed in the vicinity of the accident site about the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed. Witnesses reported "low fog" in the vicinity of the accident site. One witness reported that he observed the accident airplane "circling" over Medora, North Dakota about 1000 mdt. Another witness, who was two miles west of the accident site, reported that she observed the airplane flying westbound "low enough to see into the cockpit." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who examined the accident site reported that the accident site was located on the upward slope of a 60 degree incline. The wreckage path was on a heading of 050 degrees. Examination of the wreckage revealed the throttle was in the full forward position and the yolk was trapped in the full aft position. No evidence of flight control malfunction was reported and all flight control surfaces were located at the accident site. The attitude indicator was trapped in a position corresponding to 30 degrees of right bank and the turn needle was trapped on the right side of the case. The vertical velocity indicator was trapped at 200 feet per minute. The alternator circuit breaker was in the off position and the left fuel gauge was trapped in the 1/4 position. The engine rotated freely and exhibited no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The left magneto sparked when rotated by hand. Examination of the spark plugs, vaccuum pump, and fuel pumps revealed no anomalies. The autopsy of the pilot was conducted at St. Joseph's Hospital, 30 West Seventh Street, Dickinson, North Dakota 58601. FAA toxicological testing was negative for all tests conducted. Witnesses reported low fog in the vicinity of the accident site. One witness reported that he observed the accident airplane circling over Medora, North Dakota about 1000 mdt. Another witness, who was two miles west of the accident site, reported that she observed the airplane flying westbound 'low enough to see into the cockpit.' The accident site was located on the upward slope of a 60-degree incline. Examination of the wreckage revealed the throttle was in the full forward position and the yolk was trapped in the full aft position. No evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction was found. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12