# NTSB BFO90FA046: Douglas DC-3, N1FN, Capon Bridge, WV, May 19, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 19, 1990, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Capon Bridge, WV
- Coordinates: 39.279605, -78.469429 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2796&lon=-78.4694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11546
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90FA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11546/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90FA046

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOTS OF THE DC-3, WHICH RESULTED IN THEIR FAILURE TO SEE-AND-AVOID THE POWERLINES. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE OBSTRUCTION (TRANSMISSION WIRES), AND THE LACK OF VISUAL CUES FOR THE PILOTS.

## 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
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, copilot/second pilot (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual/aural perception, copilot/second pilot (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE SPRAYING GYPSY MOTHES WITH DIMILIN OVER WOODED/HILLY TERRAIN, THE DC-3 COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES IN A VALLEY AREA. WITNESSES IN AN NEARBY OBSERVATION AIRCRAFT REPORTED THE DC-3 ENTERED A GRADUAL CLIMB, WHICH CONTINUED UNTIL THE DC-3 WAS IN A STEEP NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE.  THE PILOT OF THE OBSERVATION AIRCRAFT TRIED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE DC-3 PILOTS, BUT COULD NOT MAKE RADIO CONTACT.  THE OBSERVATION PILOT REPORTED THE DC-3 ENTERED A STALL/SPIN AT ABOUT 1200 FT AGL, THEN CRASHED.  AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT FAILURE.  THE DC-3 WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A WIRE CUTTER KIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1FN](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1FN-1992-03-23), registration cancelled 1992-03-23, S/N 11685 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC-3
- Registry model: [Douglas DC3-G202A](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc3-g202a) (registry code 3021424) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11685
- Airframe hours: 34906
- Engines: WRIGHT R-1820 1200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: K & K Aircraft, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: AAIP, April 25, 1990, 23 hours before
- Departed: MRB, MARTINSBURG, WV
- Destination: W16, WINCHESTER, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 22,000 total, 3,000 in this make and model, 21,000 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MRB, 30 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 19900519016579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900519016579A), May 19, 1990: Doug DC3G202A, Capon Bridge, WV, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Collided with power lines in valley spraying gypsy moths. Pulled up steeply stalled and spun in.

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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