# NTSB BFO91LA039: Piper PA-25-235D, N54917, Chesapeake, VA, April 3, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1991, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Chesapeake, VA
- Coordinates: 36.619449, -76.229995 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6194&lon=-76.2300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11669
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11669/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA039

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILUE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AFTER THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering - aerial application
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE WAS CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF BY THE CONTROL TOWER. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE WIND WAS 320 DEGREES AT 20 KNOTS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED LEFT. HE TOOK CORRECTIVE ACTION BY APPLYING RIGHT AILERON AND RIGHT RUDDER, BUT HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIRCRAFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY WHERE IT STRUCK A TAXIWAY SIGN. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF HE HAD MORE INSTRUCTION AND PRACTICE IN CROSSWIND AND GUST CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N54917](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N54917-1997-09-03), registration cancelled 1997-09-03, S/N 257656058 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235D
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-7656058
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Peter A. Cummings
- Registered owner: Spraying Specialists, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: PUNGO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 6,100 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19910403009189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910403009189A), Apr 3, 1991: Piper PA25235, Chesapeake, VA, Substantial damage. Reported engine failed. Stalled turning back to spray field. No engine defects found.

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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