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2 fatalities

Loss of Control After Penetrating Thunderstorm on Return Flight from Thief River Falls (N85115)

Ardoch, United States of AmericaFlight

On August 18, 1995, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N85115) operated by Pietsch Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Ardoch, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After deplaning passengers in Thief River Falls, a pilot eager to return to Minot departed without a weather briefing. The aircraft encountered a thunderstorm and microburst, resulting in loss of control.

Flight Details

After completing an air taxi flight and deplaning passengers at Thief River Falls, the pilot was reportedly anxious to return to his base in Minot to prepare for another trip the following day. The return leg departed within a few minutes after arrival at Thief River Falls.

Weather Conditions

There was no record of a weather briefing obtained for the flight. Observations of Doppler radar by the University of North Dakota, along with a meteorological study conducted by the Safety Board, indicated that the airplane penetrated a thunderstorm at the time control was lost. The aircraft encountered the center of a microburst and was located directly under the downdraft.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the incident was the pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather conditions.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Aug 1995 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Ardoch, United States of America?

After deplaning passengers in Thief River Falls, a pilot eager to return to Minot departed without a weather briefing. The aircraft encountered a thunderstorm and microburst, resulting in loss of control.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Aug 1995 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N85115, operated by Pietsch Flying Service, at Ardoch, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's continuing flight into adverse weather. Factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to obtain a weather observation and the adverse weather.

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