# NTSB CHI90DEV02: Piper PA-25-150, Sullivan, IL, March 17, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Date: March 17, 1990, 21:00 UTC, 15:00 local
- Place: Sullivan, IL
- Coordinates: 39.589645, -88.600265 (estimated)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director, September 29, 1992
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14496
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DEV02
- NTSB report (PDF): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14496/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DEV02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE DURING A TURN AT LOW ALTITUDE, RESULTING IN GROUND COLLISION. CONTRIBUTING TO THE SEVERITY OF THE PILOT'S INJURY WAS HIS FAILURE TO USE THE INSTALLED SHOULDER HARNESS.

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD COMPLETED REFUELING AT HIS FATHER'S FARM AND TOOK OFF TO THE WEST FROM A DIRT FIELD. AT ABOUT 25 FT AGL, THE AIRCRAFT ENTERED A RIGHT TURN AND REMAINED IN A BANK UNTIL IT STRUCK THE GROUND WITH THE RIGHT WINGTIP. THE AIRPLANE WAS DESTROYED AS IT CARTWHEELED TO REST. THE PILOT SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURY AND HAD NO RECALL OF THE FINAL MANEUVERS.

## Sequence of events

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - open field
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - shoulder harness - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6340Z, a cancelled registration (https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6340Z-2017-04-18) (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-150
- Registry model: Piper PA-25 (registry code 7102502, https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: Lycoming 0-320 series (registry code 41508, https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-523
- Airframe hours: 3285
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Destination: IOW, IOWA CITY, IA
- Airport: runway 0
- FAA reports: 19900317005679A (https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900317005679A) (OpenAirDocs)

## Flight crew

- Pilot; age 37; airline transport, flight instructor; medical class 1; hours: 11 30 days, 49 90 days, 6,444 pic, 905 pic in this make and model, 6,713 total, 905 total in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 18 knots, gusting 24
- Visibility (statute miles): 15
- Lowest ceiling (ft AGL): 5000
- Temperature (°F): 51.8

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

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From OpenAirDocs.org, an independent open copy of NTSB and FAA data. The NTSB's own report is the official record of an investigation.