# NTSB DEN86LA182: Piper PA-25-235, N7131Z, Williston, ND, July 2, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1986, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Williston, ND
- Coordinates: 48.159538, -103.63095 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.1595&lon=-103.6309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16997
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA182
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16997/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA182

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

DURING THE TELEPHONE INTERVIEW, THE PLT STATED THE ENG OF HIS CROP DUSTER QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7131Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7131Z-2003-10-16), registration cancelled 2003-10-16, S/N 25-2949, built 1964 (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: 25-2949
- Airframe hours: 4283
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Wes;Eu D. Marburger
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 1, 1986, 60 hours before
- Departed: 24U, WILLISTON, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 910 total, 650 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 64 °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 19860702029879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860702029879A), Jul 2, 1986: Piper PA25235, Williston, ND, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel during a spraying operation. Aircraft incurred substantial damage on the forced landing.

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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