# NTSB CHI88DER04: Piper PA-25, N6590Z, Elbow Lake, MN, July 24, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1988, 17:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Elbow Lake, MN
- Coordinates: 45.660156, -94.680519 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6602&lon=-94.6805&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13889
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DER04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13889/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DER04

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS PRACTICING LOW LEVEL FLIGHT IN PREPARATION FOR HIS CERTIFICATION UNDER 14 CFR 137 WHEN THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED A COLLISION WITH WIRES. THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED DURING THIS COLLISION AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TREES AND THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6590Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6590Z), registered now, S/N 25-2144, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 252144
- Airframe hours: 4350
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1D5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Jennen, Richard
- Registered owner: Richard John Jennen, II
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1988, 25 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 223 total, 23 in this make and model, 187 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19880724035479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880724035479A), Jul 24, 1988: Piper PA25235, Wendell, MN, Substantial damage. Struck wires and trees while practicing low level flight to apply for an ag operations certificate.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.