# NTSB DEN85LA146: Piper PA-25-260-C, N4926Y, Ordway, CO, June 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1985, 10:58 local (16:58 UTC)
- Place: Ordway, CO
- Coordinates: 38.220649, -103.750411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2206&lon=-103.7504&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16687
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16687/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA146

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb - to cruise
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED THE AIRPORT ON AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION. IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF THE PILOT RETARDED THE PROPELLER CONTROL TO CLIMB SETTING AND TURNED EAST. THE PILOT SAID HE WAS AWARE OF AND SAW POWER LINES AHEAD. HE SAID HE ADVANCED THE PROPELLER CONTROL TO CLIMB OVER THE WIRES BUT THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO SETTLE AND COLLIDED WITH THE WIRES AND CRASHED. THE PILOT SAID HE SUSPECTED HE HAD ENCOUNTERED 'SOME BAD AIR OR SOMETHING.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4926Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4926Y), registered now, S/N 25-4724, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-260-C (PA-25-260-)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-260) (registry code 7102508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4724
- Airframe hours: 3800
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-G1A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Bobby L. Denton
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 6, 1985, 235 hours before
- Departed: 25V, ORDWAY, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 6,530 total, 4,500 in this make and model, 6,530 as pilot in command, 315 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LHX, 17 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 19850601021959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850601021959A), Jun 1, 1985: Piper PA25260, Ordway, CO, Substantial damage. Pilot misjudged ability to climb over powerline after takeoff. Density altitude a factor as gear struck top wire.

## Other investigations on N4926Y (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 FTW69D0067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW69D0067), Jul 17, 1968: Piper PA-25 (N4926Y), Farwell, TX, destroyed

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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