# NTSB FTW82FPJ16: Piper 18, N3937Z, Gage, OK, July 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1982, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Gage, OK
- Location: 36.3181° N, 99.7576° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Gage, OK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3181&lon=-99.7576&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70795
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FPJ16
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70795/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FPJ16

## 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(marked)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING USED TO SPRAY GRASSHOPPERS AND WAS FLYING IN AN EASTERLY DIRECTION. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK A HIGH LINE WIRE THAT IS ORIENTED NORTH AND SOUTH. AFTER STRIKING THE WIRE THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND APPROXIMATELY 190 FEET EAST OF THE HIGH LINE. THE PILOT WAS PINNED TO THE WRECKAGE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES BEFORE BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3937Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3937Z), registered now, S/N 18-7783, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER 18
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18-150) (registry code 7101828) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-7783
- Airframe hours: 1727
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: W.B. Hicks
- Registered owner: W.B. Hicks
- Departed: GAGE, OK
- Destination: GAGE, OK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 5,000 total, 450 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Temperature: 199 °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 19820721030879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820721030879A), Jul 21, 1982: Piper PA18150, Gage, OK, Destroyed. Struck wires during a spraying operation. Pilot blamed downdraft dropped his aircraft into the wires.

## Other investigations on N3937Z (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 FTW89LA110](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA110), Jun 9, 1989: Piper PA-18-150 (N3937Z), Midland, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. THE HIGH, GUSTY, CROSSWIND CONDITION WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

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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