# NTSB FTW83FA079: Mooney M20E, N7778M, Cushing, OK, January 9, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 9, 1983, 16:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Cushing, OK
- Coordinates: 35.969879, -96.759918 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9699&lon=-96.7599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20694
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA079
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20694/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA079

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A POWERLINE DURING A LOW FLT DOWN A RIVER. THE ACFT IMPACTED 3 HIGH TENSION CABLES SPANNING THE RIVER. WITNESSES SAID THE ACFT WAS FLYING LOW AND FAST. THE COLLISION PRODUCED A SOUND 'LIKE A GUNSHOT' AND THE ACFT FELL TO THE GROUND AND BOUNCED. IT SPUN AROUND AND ENDING UP FACING IN A DIRECTION OPPOSITE TO THE FLT. THE WRECKAGE CAME TO REST ON A SANDBAR IN THE RIVER BED WITH A STRAND OF CABLE AROUND THE PROPELLER. BOTH OCCUPANTS RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7778M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7778M-2014-11-19), registration cancelled 2014-11-19, S/N 21-0033, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MOONEY M20E
- Registry model: [Mooney M20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20e) (registry code 5870212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21-0033
- Airframe hours: 1104
- Engines: LYCOMING IO 360 A1A 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert L. Choate
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 5, 1983, 62 hours before
- Departed: CUSHING, OK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial, airline transport, flight engineer; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,650 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °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 19830109000529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830109000529A), Jan 9, 1983: Mooney M20E, Cushing, OK, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft hit high tension lines during low level flight over river.

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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