# NTSB DEN87LA190: Piper PA-25-235, N9750P, Fargo, ND, July 21, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 20, 1987, 20:30 local (Jul 21, 1987, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Fargo, ND
- Coordinates: 46.899948, -96.809303 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.8999&lon=-96.8093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17275
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87LA190
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17275/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87LA190

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - aerial application
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS SPRAYING A FIELD WITH ORTHINE, USED TO EXTERMINATE GRASSHOPPERS. THE PLT SAID HE WAS MAKING HIS LAST PASS AT THE FIELD AND WAS FLYING INTO A SETTING SUN. HE SAID HE DID NOT SEE THE POWERLINE. THE ACFT STRUCK THE POWERLINE AND THE PLT MADE A CRASH LANDING IN AN ADJACENT FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9750P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9750P-2013-05-30), registration cancelled 2013-05-30, S/N 25-7556017, built 1974 (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: 25-7556017
- Airframe hours: 1265
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Grain Sprayers, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 27, 1987, 50 hours before
- Departed: 5N8, CASSELTON, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,198 total, 56 in this make and model, 1,060 as pilot in command, 135 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 20° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAR, 5 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 19870720043979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870720043979A), Jul 20, 1987: Piper PA25235, Fargo, ND, Substantial damage. The agricultural spray plane struck wires during a spay run. The pilots vision was obscured by the setting sun.

## Other investigations on N9750P (1)

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 MKC79DER55](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC79DER55), Jul 17, 1979: Piper PA-25 (N9750P), Roseau, MN, 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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