# NTSB FTW82FRJ12: Piper PA-36-375, N90297, Wildsville, LA, June 21, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1982, 12:10 local (17:10 UTC)
- Place: Wildsville, LA
- Location: 31.6157° N, 91.7840° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wildsville, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.6157&lon=-91.7840&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 73047
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRJ12
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73047/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRJ12

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

## Analysis

THE PILOT TOOK OFF ON A LOCAL FLIGHT TO SPRAY A BEAN FIELD. ABOUT 1000 FT FROM THE END OF THE FIELD WAS A 300 FT RADIO TOWER. THE AIRCRAFT WAS OBSERVED TO CIRCLE THE BEAN FIELD AND CIRCLE THE RADIO TOWER TWICE. DURING A PROCEDURE TURN, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE TOWER AND CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N90297](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N90297-2013-05-17), registration cancelled 2013-05-17, S/N 36-7802053, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-36-375
- Registry model: [Piper PA-36-375](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-36-375) (registry code 7103620) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-720 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-720-series) (registry code 41546, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36-7802053
- Airframe hours: 1410
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-720 400 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Catahoula Aerial Sv., Inc.
- Registered owner: Catahoula Aerial Sv., Inc.
- Departed: LA18, JONESVILLE, LA
- Destination: LA18, JONESVILLE, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,200 total, 200 in this make and model, 120 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 176 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820621023599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820621023599A), Jun 21, 1982: Piper PA36375, Wildsville, LA, Destroyed. Struck radio tower on pull up from a spray run. Impact sheared off a wing. Pilot was advised of obstruction.

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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