# NTSB CHI98LA220: Piper PA-18-150, N7174B, Fargo, ND, June 25, 1998 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 25, 1998, 15:10 local (20:10 UTC) - Place: Fargo, ND - Coordinates: 46.78981, -96.84082 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.7898&lon=-96.8408&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report May 19, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 10934 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI98LA220 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10934/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98LA220 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the powerline during a swath run. A factor associated with the accident was the powerline. ## 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) - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application - aircraft control - not possible, pilot in command - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot reported the airplane contacted a powerline during the first swath run over his own field. The airplane continued to fly approximately one quarter of a mile prior to contacting the terrain. Inspection revealed the airplane contacted the powerline with the top of the rudder. ## Factual narrative On June 25 1998, at 1510 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N7174B, operated by a private pilot collided with a powerline and the terrain during an aerial application flight over his own property near Fargo, North Dakota. The pilot was seriously injured and the airplane was destroyed. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from a private airstrip in Fargo, at 1500 cdt. The pilot reported he loaded the airplane with fungicide at his private airstrip and took off to spray his wheat field one and a half miles away. He reported he was making his first swatch run when the airplane contacted powerlines on the north side of the field. The airplane remained airborne for approximately one quarter of a mile at which time it descended to impact with the terrain. According to an Inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Fargo, North Dakota Flight Standards District Office the airplane was at an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the ground when it contacted the powerline with the top of the rudder. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7174B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7174B), registered now, S/N 18-5205, built 1956 (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: 18/5205 - Airframe hours: 2765 - Engines: Lycoming O-320` 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Fmh Co. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, November 12, 1997, 20 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,103 total, 303 in this make and model, 25 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 240° at 8 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: FAR ## 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 19980625015039A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980625015039A), Jun 25, 1998: Piper PA18150, Fargo, ND, Destroyed. Acft struck a power line during aerial application and crashed into a field. (.4) on June 25 1998, at 1510 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18- 150, N7174B,… ## Other investigations on N7174B (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 DEN87LA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA196), Jul 28, 1987: Piper PA-18-150 (N7174B), Fargo, ND, 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. --- 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.