# NTSB DEN88LA169: Piper PA-18, N3290B, Forsyth, MT, July 29, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1988, 20:45 local (Jul 29, 1988, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Forsyth, MT
- Location: 46.2679° N, 106.6726° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Forsyth, MT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2679&lon=-106.6726&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 3, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17514
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17514/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA169

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural detection, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3290B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3290B-2012-09-10), registration cancelled 2012-09-10, S/N 18-3284, built 1954 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18) (registry code 7101802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-3284
- Airframe hours: 1408
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial observation, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thompson, John C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 16, 1988, 80 hours before
- Departed: 1S3, FORSYTH, MT
- Destination: 1S3

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 1,149 total, 249 in this make and model, 60 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °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 19880728028439A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880728028439A), Jul 28, 1988: Piper PA18, Forsyth, MT, Substantial damage. Struck powerline during powerline patrol. Pilot reported sun in his eyes and not watching altitude caused impact.

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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