# NTSB DEN86LA204: Piper PA-25-260, N8629L, Sisseton, SD, July 22, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1986, 10:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Sisseton, SD
- Coordinates: 45.660835, -97.039054 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6608&lon=-97.0391&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17018
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17018/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA204

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - worn (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - carburetor heat control,cable/push-pull rod - failure,total (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - abort - initiated, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - attempted, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT THE ENG LOST ABOUT 200 RPM DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND HE DECIDED TO ABORT. DURING THE ABORT THE PLT SWERVED TO AVOID A FENCE AT THE END OF THE RWY AND THE ACFT SLID SIDEWAYS COLLAPSING THE LT MLG. INVESTIGATION REVEALED A BROKEN CARBURETOR HEAT CABLE. THE CABLE WAS WORN IN THE AREA OF THE BREAK. WHEN THE CABLE BREAKS THE HEAT VALVE GOES TO THE HOT POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8629L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8629L), registered now, S/N 25-5063, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-260) (registry code 7102508) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 255063
- Airframe hours: 3360
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-G1A5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Darrell Hillestad
- Registered owner: J.F. Forrette
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1986, 70 hours before
- Airport: 3D8, Sisseton Muni, runway 22, 2,300 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,500 total, 350 in this make and model, 70 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19860722035609A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860722035609A), Jul 22, 1986: Piper PA25260, Sisseton, SD, Substantial damage. Loss of some RPM during takeoff roll. Aborted, veered avoiding fence, gear collapsed. Carburetor heat cable broken.

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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