# NTSB DEN86FA002: Piper PA-18-150, N40359, Chamberlain, SD, October 3, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 3, 1985, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Chamberlain, SD
- Coordinates: 43.799636, -99.319862 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7996&lon=-99.3199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16788
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86FA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16788/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FA002

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - electrical tower
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT AND HIS PASSENGER FRIEND WERE LOOKING FOR STRAY CATTLE WHEN APRX AT 142 FT ABOVE THE GROUND THEIR ACFT STRUCK AN ANTENNAE MOUNTED ON A MICROWAVE TOWER. THE ACFT DESCENDED AND WAS DESTROYED ON GROUND IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N40359 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18-150
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7709014
- Airframe hours: 2901
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas W. Taylor
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 28, 1984, 64 hours before
- Departed: CHAMBERLAIN, SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 25 knots, gusting 35
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °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 19851003048769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851003048769A), Oct 3, 1985: Piper PA18150, Chamberlain, SD, Destroyed, 1 fatal. While searching for stray cattle at low altitude,the right wing struck a microwave tower. Aircraft impacted ground.

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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