# NTSB DEN86LA171: Piper PA-25-235, N7723Z, Cope, CO, June 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1986, 17:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Cope, CO
- Coordinates: 39.6707, -102.850166 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6707&lon=-102.8502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16988
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA171
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16988/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA171

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - aerial application
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - aerial application
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTS THAT THE ENG QUIT DURING A PULL-UP AT THE END OF A SWATH RUN. A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS ATTEMPTED BUT THE FIELD HAD BEEN CULTIVATED RECENTLY AND WAS SOFT. AFTER A SHORT GROUND ROLL THE GEAR DUG IN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PLT SAID THERE WAS 22 GAL OF FUEL ONBOARD AT TAKEOFF AND THE ACFT HAD BEEN AIRBORNE FOR ABOUT 20 MIN. THE WRECKAGE WAS EXAMINED AND THE ENG WAS RUN AND NO EVIDENCE TO EXPLAIN THE REPORTED POWER LOSS WAS FOUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7723Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7723Z-1988-09-23), registration cancelled 1988-09-23, S/N 253892 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-3892
- Airframe hours: 4294
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: James W. Meisegeier
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 26, 1986, 151 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 6,492 total, 4,800 in this make and model, 6,400 as pilot in command, 151 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AKO, 35 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 19860622026509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860622026509A), Jun 22, 1986: Piper PA25235, Cope, CO, Substantial damage. Engine lost power during pull up. Aircraft nosed over in plowed field. Leak in exhaust system, suspect vapor lock.

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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