# NTSB ATL86FEK05: Piper PA-25-235, N4454Y, Melrose, OH, August 14, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: August 13, 1986, 20:35 local (Aug 14, 1986, 00:35 UTC)
- Place: Melrose, OH
- Coordinates: 41.079448, -84.430778 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0794&lon=-84.4308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6984
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FEK05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6984/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FEK05

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TRAFFIC SIGN DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLT. THE PLT HAD MADE A LOW PASS PRIOR TO THE COLLISION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4454Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4454Y-1989-01-19), registration cancelled 1989-01-19, S/N 254102 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4102
- Airframe hours: 7204
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Charles W.Hiltner
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, October 11, 1985
- Departed: QH19, NORTH CREEK, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 10,528 total, 10,029 in this make and model, 10,500 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FWA, 35 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860813040039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860813040039A), Aug 13, 1986: Piper PA25235, Melrose, OH, Substantial damage. Struck a road sign during a pull up from a spray run. Sign perpendicular to line of flight. Aircraft cartwheeled.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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