# NTSB CHI92DCA03: Piper PA-28-180, N5175L, Mokane, MO, June 28, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 28, 1992, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Mokane, MO
- Coordinates: 38.670158, -91.870689 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6702&lon=-91.8707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15202
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92DCA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15202/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DCA03

## Probable cause

AN INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

PERSONS PRESENT AT THE ACCIDENT SITE OBSERVED THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE FROM EAST TO WEST ALONG THE RIVER TOWARD SUSPENDED POWER TRANSMISSION LINES.  AS THE AIRPLANE APPROACHED THE LINES THE WITNESSES SAW IT ROLL JUST BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH THE TOP WIRE IN THE ARRAY.  THE RIGHT WING WAS TORN AWAY AND THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED INTO THE RIVER AND SANK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5175L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5175L-1994-09-22), registration cancelled 1994-09-22, S/N 284461 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-4661
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sontheimer, James E
- Registered owner: Sontheimer, James E
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: 46MO, ST. PETERS, MO
- Destination: JEF, JEFFERSON CITY, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JEF, 19 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 19920628022249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920628022249A), Jun 28, 1992: Piper PA28180, Mokane, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck powerlines stretched over river and crashed into river.

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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