# NTSB CHI92DEX03: Piper PA-25-260, N4766Y, Decker, IN, July 18, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1992, 20:20 local (Jul 18, 1992, 01:20 UTC)
- Place: Decker, IN
- Coordinates: 38.510074, -87.520111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5101&lon=-87.5201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report July 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15255
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92DEX03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15255/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92DEX03

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE RIGHT WING SPAR, IMPROPER MAINTENANCE/MODIFICATION, AND FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - wing,spar - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,modification - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - wing - separation
  - maintenance,compliance with ad - not performed, company/operator management (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

PILOT STARTED PULL UP FOR REVERSAL TURN IN AERIAL APPLICATION MANEUVER. THE RIGHT WING SEPARATED FROM THE AIRPLANE. AIRPLANE CRASHED IN FIELD AND WAS CONSUMED BY POST CRASH FIRE.  METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED PREEXISTING FATIGUE CRACKS IN LOWER SPAR CAP OF THE RIGHT WING ORIGINATING FROM TWO MISDRILLED HOLES.  AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO INSPECT FOR WING SPAR FATIGUE CRACKS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4766Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4766Y-2001-06-14), registration cancelled 2001-06-14, S/N 25-4526 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-260) (registry code 7102508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: L-11951-40AC
- Airframe hours: 6001
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-GIA5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Air Aid, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 28, 1992, 96 hours before
- Departed: IN30, PATOKA, IN
- Destination: IN30

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,400 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EVV, 27 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 19920717028269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920717028269A), Jul 17, 1992: Piper PA25260, Decker, IN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Right wing separated on spray run pullup. Aircraft exploded on impact. AD 90 02 06 on wing spar not complied.

## Other investigations on N4766Y (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC75DCA29](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75DCA29), May 3, 1975: Piper PA-25 (N4766Y), Potosi, MO, substantial damage

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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