# NTSB CHI93LA203: Piper PA-36, N3890E, Mc Laughlin, SD, June 11, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 11, 1993, 08:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Mc Laughlin, SD
- Coordinates: 45.810134, -100.810859 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8101&lon=-100.8109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report October 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15733
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15733/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA203

## Probable cause

PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - uphill
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND AFTER STRIKING POWERLINES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT.  THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE WIRES AND HAD PLANNED ON CLIMBING OVER THEM.  HOWEVER, HE FELT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CLEAR THE POWERLINES AND DECIDED TO TRY TO FLY UNDER THEM TO NO AVAIL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3890E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-36
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36-8302022
- Airframe hours: 929
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-720-D1C 375 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Clyde D. & Patricia Rische
- Registered owner: Clyde D. & Patricia Rische
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1992, 72 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 5,542 total, 2,232 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19930611017989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930611017989A), Jun 11, 1993: Piper PA36375, Mclaughlin, SD, Substantial damage. Began to climb over wires end of spray run. Beleived unable to clear wires, elected to go under but struck wires.

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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