# NTSB CHI95LA172: Piper PA-25-235, N4428P, Dawson, MN, June 3, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 3, 1995, 13:53 local (18:53 UTC) - Place: Dawson, MN - Coordinates: 44.919136, -96.039497 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.9191&lon=-96.0395&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 13, 1995 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 9904 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA172 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9904/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA172 ## Probable cause the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane on takeoff. A factor in the accident was the tall grass. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - high vegetation (contributing factor) ## Analysis THE PILOT REPORTED HE LANDED THE AIRPLANE ON THE GRASS ADJACENT TO THE RUNWAY DUE TO THE POOR CONDITION OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER PICKING UP A LOAD OF CHEMICAL, THE PILOT PREPARED TO TAKEOFF ON THE GRASS. WHILE ON THE INITIAL GROUND RUN, THE AIRPLANE'S RIGHT SPRAY BOOM ENCOUNTERED TALL GRASS. THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE RIGHT WING AND PROPELLER CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE LANDING GEAR WAS DAMAGED. THIS AIRPORT HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR SEVERAL YEARS PRIOR TO THIS ACCIDENT. ## Factual narrative On June 3, 1995, at 1353 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25- 235, N4428P, was substantially damaged while attempting to take off from a private field in Dawson, Minnesota. The commercial pilot reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was en route to Madison, Minnesota. The aerial application flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot reported he landed the airplane at Dawson Airport on the grass adjacent to the runway because of the runway's poor condition. After picking up some chemicals, the pilot stated he proceeded to takeoff on the grass. While the airplane was on its initial ground run, the right spray boom encountered tall grass and the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The right wing and propeller contacted the ground and the landing gear was damaged. The Dawson Airport had been closed for several years prior to this accident. There had been no upkeep done to the airport since its closure. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4428P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4428P), registered now, S/N 25-2719, built 1964 (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 O-540-B2B5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-540-b2b5) (registry code 42337, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 25-2719 - Airframe hours: 4407 - Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Dennis Zimmer DBA - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1995, 20 hours before - Departed: NONE - Destination: DXX, MADISON, MN - Airport: NONE, Dawson Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 928 total, 600 in this make and model, 854 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 145° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °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 19950603018979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950603018979A), Jun 3, 1995: Piper PA25235, Dawson, MN, Substantial damage. Lost directional control on takeoff due to tall grass. Runway closed due broken asphalt. Collapsed landing gear. (-23) the aircraft was moved from the accident… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.