# NTSB FTW82FRG35: Piper PA-18A, N3590P, San Marcos, TX, June 4, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1982, 07:55 local (12:55 UTC)
- Place: San Marcos, TX
- Coordinates: 29.880025, -97.920898 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8800&lon=-97.9209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 4, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72507
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRG35
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72507/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRG35

## 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,static (contributing factor)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ON A FLIGHT TO SPRAY HIS OWN FARM. WHILE MANEUVERING DURING AERIAL APPLICATION, THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK A TELEPHONE GUY WIRE AND THEN THE PLANE CRASHED. THE PILOT HAD BEEN SPRAYING HIS OWN FARM OVER THE PREVIOUS 10 YRS WITH THE SAME TELEPHONE WIRES IN PLACE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3590P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3590P), registered now, S/N 18-4545, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18A
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a) (registry code 7101804) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 184545
- Airframe hours: 7252
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 91
- Operator: William M. Soyars
- Registered owner: William M. Soyars
- Departed: C, LOWMAN FIELD, TX
- Destination: C, LOWMAN FIELD, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 16,000 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 103 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 18° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 46 °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 19820604020739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820604020739A), Jun 4, 1982: Piper PA18A, San Marcos, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot spraying his own crops struck wires during operation. Not FAR 137 operation.

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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