# NTSB CHI95LA074: Piper PA-18-150, N8825Z, Burwell, NE, January 24, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 24, 1995, 13:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: Burwell, NE
- Coordinates: 41.779312, -99.130966 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7793&lon=-99.1310&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 18, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9826
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA074
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9826/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA074

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and takeoff.  A factor was rough/uneven terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PILOT SELECTED A PASTURE FOR LANDING AND TAKEOFF FOR A LOCAL FLIGHT.  DURING THE TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE HIT A RUT AND VEERED INTO A FENCE.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE SHOULD HAVE PICKED A MORE SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THE FLIGHT OPERATION.

## Factual narrative

On January 24, 1995, at 1300 central standard time, a Piper PA- 18-150, N8825Z, registered to Bellamy Aerial Spraying, Inc., of Elwood, Nebraska, and operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damaged during a takeoff from a private pasture, near Burwell, Nebraska, when it impacted a rut and ran through a fence.  The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries.  The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.  The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that on takeoff the airplane hit a rut, turned sideways and went through a fence.  He also stated that the accident may have been prevented if he had "found a better place to land and takeoff."

The passenger stated that the airplane veered to the left and then to the right side prior to impact.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8825Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8825Z), registered now, S/N 18-7567, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7576
- Airframe hours: 4561
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bellamy Aerial Spraying, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 31, 1994, 58 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 994 total, 500 in this make and model, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 9 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BBW, 31 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 19950124001729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950124001729A), Jan 24, 1995: Piper PA18150, Burwell, NE, Substantial damage. Struck a rut trying to depart a rough pasture. Veered into a fence.

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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