# NTSB FTW85LA312: Piper PA-25-235, N6529Z, Morton, TX, August 11, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1985, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Morton, TX
- Coordinates: 33.71936, -102.74932 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7194&lon=-102.7493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21818
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA312
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21818/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA312

## 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 (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

AFTER COMPLETING SEVERAL PASSES, THE ACFT WAS CROSSING A ROAD UNDER POWER LINES WHEN THE PROPELLER STRUCK A ROAD SIGN. THE ACFT SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE AND IMPACTED IN AN ADJACENT FIELD, FLIPPED OVER AND SLID TO A STOP. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE SIGN WAS THERE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N6529Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-2062
- Airframe hours: 3504
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Noel Crow, doing business as Noel Crow Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 27, 1985, 77 hours before
- Departed: F85

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 3,132 total, 1,960 in this make and model, 3,069 as pilot in command, 77 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 100 °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 19850811037879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850811037879A), Aug 11, 1985: Piper PA25235, Morton, TX, Substantial damage. Struck a road sign on spraying run. Lost control, impacted ground. Hurt by chemical carried, broke a leg.

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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