# NTSB FTW83LA018: Piper PA-25-235, N8520L, Sicily Island, LA, October 15, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1982, 18:35 local (23:35 UTC)
- Place: Sicily Island, LA
- Coordinates: 31.840017, -91.650093 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8400&lon=-91.6501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 15, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72618
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72618/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA018

## 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 - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT ON HIS LAST SWATH RUN THE LEFT OUTBOARD SECTION OF THE WING COLLIDED WITH A LIGHT POLE AND SEPARATED JAMMING THE AILERON. THE AIRCRAFT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND CRASHED IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT CARTWHEELEDAND BROKE UP BEFORE COMING TO REST. THE AIRCRAFTS WINDSHIELD WAS COATED WITH SPRAY AND THE SUN ANGLE CREATED A GLARE WHICH INTERFERED WITH THE PILOTS ABILITY TO SEE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8520L (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4867
- Airframe hours: 3631
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: C&F Flying Service
- Registered owner: C&F Flying Service
- Departed: WISNER, LA
- Destination: WISNER, LA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 21,400 total, 5,402 in this make and model, 20,000 as pilot in command, 410 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 270° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 165 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MLU

## 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 19821015053479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821015053479A), Oct 15, 1982: Piper PA25235, Sicily Island, LA, Destroyed. Sun glare and dirty windshield contributed to aircraft wing being severed by a power pole on a swath run.

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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