# NTSB DEN91LA117: Piper PA-25-150, N6261Z, Seagraves, TX, August 17, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1991, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Seagraves, TX
- Coordinates: 32.939674, -102.560836 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9397&lon=-102.5608&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18125
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18125/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA117

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER INFLIGHT PLANNING WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL DUE TO WAKE TURBULENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Vortex turbulence encountered, maneuvering - aerial application
  - wake turbulence - encountered, pilot in command
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE CONDUCTING FORMATION AERIAL APPLICATION, CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOST DURING AN ENCOUNTER WITH WAKE TURBULENCE FROM THE LEAD AIRCRAFT. ALTITUDE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO EFFECT RECOVERY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6261Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6261Z-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 25-322, built 1960 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25) (registry code 7102502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-322
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2C 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: South Plains Aero
- Registered owner: South Plains Aero
- Departed: Q26, BROWNFIELD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 700 total, 350 in this make and model, 578 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19910817034769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910817034769A), Aug 17, 1991: Piper PA25150, Seagraves, TX, Destroyed. Flight of two sprayers. Flew into lead aircraft wake during a turn around. Lost control and crashed.

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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