# NTSB CHI90DTG05: Piper PA-25-235, N4471Y, Sykeston, ND, August 9, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1990, 19:20 local (Aug 9, 1990, 00:20 UTC)
- Place: Sykeston, ND
- Coordinates: 47.459362, -99.389839 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4594&lon=-99.3898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14511
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90DTG05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14511/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90DTG05

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO PERFORM A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fuel system,strainer - contamination (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - contamination (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - water (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 200 FT AGL WHEN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT STATED THE POWER LOSS WAS SUFFICIENT ENGOUGH TO PREVENT HIM FROM MAINTAINING ALTITUDE A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE IN A MATURE WHEAT FIELD. DURING THE LANDING THE SPRAY BOOM CAUGHT THE WHEAT AND THE AIRPLANE GROUND LOOPED. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION REVEALED WATER AND DIRT CONTAMINATION IN BOTH THE FUEL STRAINER AND CARBURETOR. THE ENGINE FUNCTIONED NORMALLY WHEN TESTED AFTER THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CLEANED OUT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4471Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4471Y-2020-09-04), registration cancelled 2020-09-04, S/N 25-4126, built 1966 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4126
- Airframe hours: 4335
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2C5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Rodney J. Settelmeyer
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 12, 1990, 50 hours before
- Departed: ND47, NEW ROCKFORD, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: center; flight hours: 751 total, 196 in this make and model, 680 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 30 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19900808037579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900808037579A), Aug 8, 1990: Piper PA25235, Sykeston, ND, Substantial damage. Engine quit while surveying sunflower field. Spray boom caught in tall wheat on landing. Water,dirt in fuel system.

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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