Incident Overview
A pilot departing from his private airstrip near Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, en route to Beach, North Dakota, experienced a sudden encounter with turbulence and a downdraft, resulting in a forced landing that significantly damaged the aircraft. The pilot was not injured.
Preceding Weather Conditions
According to the pilot, ahead of the flight path there was a narrow cloud, estimated to be 5-8 miles long, which was emitting lightning. The pilot stated that this cloud did not appear to threaten flight safety.
Sequence of Events
During the flight, the pilot reported that he suddenly hit turbulence, causing the wings to roll vertical. He was able to recover control. Subsequently, the aircraft encountered a downdraft. The pilot added full power and selected one notch of flaps. The aircraft then brushed some tree tops, after which it struck a hill, tearing off the right main landing gear. The aircraft continued, hitting the ground and skidding into another hill. The impact ruptured the fuel tank, and the aircraft caught fire.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that he never flew under the cloud during the flight.
Outcome
The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the collision with terrain and the subsequent fire. The pilot emerged from the incident without any injuries.
Investigation
No probable cause has been determined by the investigation source. The pilot's account provides the factual basis for this report.