Casualties unknown

Aircraft Damaged After Landing on Grass, Crossing Ditch, and Coming to Rest on Public Road (N6513Y)

Bemidji, MN, US

On June 21, 1989, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6513Y) operated by Bemidji Aviation Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Bemidji, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CONTINUED APPROACH AND LANDING BY THE PILOT IN KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE DITCH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During landing in heavy rain and turbulence, a pilot's aircraft touched down on grass, crossed a ditch, and came to rest on a public road, resulting in damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that upon returning to the airport for landing, a line of dark clouds was observed adjacent to the downwind leg for runway 31. During the final approach, the aircraft encountered heavy rain and turbulence. The pilot initially attempted a go-around but subsequently decided to continue the landing.

Landing and Post-Impact Sequence

During the landing, the aircraft encountered strong and gusty winds. The aircraft touched down on the adjacent grass area. Subsequently, it crossed a ditch and came to rest on a public road, sustaining damage in the process.

Pilot Report

The pilot's account indicates that the weather conditions, including dark clouds, heavy rain, and turbulence, were present during the approach and landing. The decision to continue after an initial go-around attempt was made, leading to the eventual off-runway touchdown.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28641. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.