Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the crosswind landing. Factors associated with the accident were the crosswind and the rough terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated he was landing to the north with winds from 290 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. He stated that after touching down he applied the right brake which was "poor" and the airplane turned to the left. The airplane traveled into a wheat field where it contacted a furrow. The pilot stated the airplane bounced up and weathervaned even more. The airplane settled to the ground and the right main landing gear collapsed when it dug into the ground.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08CA262 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Nielsville, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Schweizer G-164B
- N-number
- N773D
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.