# NTSB DEN86FTK04: Piper PA-25-235, N7121Z, Clear Lake, SD, August 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1986, 19:35 local (Aug 7, 1986, 00:35 UTC)
- Place: Clear Lake, SD
- Coordinates: 44.760261, -96.680145 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7603&lon=-96.6801&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16861
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86FTK04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16861/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86FTK04

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THERE WAS A POWER LINE ACROSS THE APPROACH TO THE FIELD BEING TREATED. THE PLT REPORTS THAT HE GOT TOO LOW DURING THE FLARE OUT FOR ENTRY TO THE SWATH RUN. THE WHEELS CONTACTED THE SUNFLOWER CROP AND THE ACFT IMPACTED THE GROUND. A FIRE DEVELOPED DURING INITIAL IMPACT AND THE PLT SUSTAINED SERIOUS BURN INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7121Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7121Z), registered now, S/N 25-2920 (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 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-2920
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Riggin Spray Service
- Registered owner: Joy L. Bevers
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 24, 1986, 50 hours before
- Departed: 1D1, MILBANK, SD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 980 total, 45 in this make and model, 930 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 64 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ATY, 22 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 19860806037729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860806037729A), Aug 6, 1986: Piper PA25235, Clear Lake, SD, Substantial damage. Agricultural pilot failed to maintain a safe altitude and struck crops. Aircraft exploded and burned.

## Other investigations on N7121Z (2)

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 DEN83LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA155), Jul 1, 1983: Piper PA-25-235 (N7121Z), Brandt, SD, substantial damage
- [NTSB MKC78DCJ40](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC78DCJ40), Aug 14, 1978: Piper PA-25 (N7121Z), Arnold, NE, 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.

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