# NTSB DEN86LA183: Piper PA-25-235, N7099Z, Bynum, MT, July 2, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1986, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Bynum, MT
- Coordinates: 47.980731, -112.41941 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9807&lon=-112.4194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16998
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA183
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16998/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA183

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - door,exterior crew - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power control - reduced, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - rotation - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER THE FIRST LANDING ON A GRAVEL ROAD FOR RELOADING LIQUID INSECTICIDE THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OFF FOR AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT. DURING THE TAKE OFF GROUND ROLL THE PILOT OBSERVED THAT THE LEFT DOOR WAS NOT PROPERLY CLOSED. HE MOMENTARILY REDUCED POWER TO CLOSE THE DOOR AND THEN CONTINUED THE TAKE OFF. IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF THE AIRCRAFT STUCK SIX FT HIGH FENCE POSTS ADJACENT OT A CATTLE GUARD ACROSS THE ROAD AND IMPACTED ON THE ROAD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7099Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7099Z-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N 25-2714, 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: 25-2714
- Airframe hours: 3499
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Thomas H. Mellott
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 8, 1986, 178 hours before
- Departed: BYNUM, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,250 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 3,180 as pilot in command, 178 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19860702029869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860702029869A), Jul 2, 1986: Piper PA25235, Bynum, MT, Substantial damage. Pilot reduced power during takeoff to secure an open door. Aircraft struck a fence at the end of the takeoff area.

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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