# NTSB FTW86FPA27: Piper PA-25-235, N7759Z, Marlin, TX, September 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1986, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Marlin, TX
- Coordinates: 31.300771, -96.890754 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3008&lon=-96.8908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21935
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86FPA27
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21935/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86FPA27

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - roll/run
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THE ENG QUIT DURING A RIGHT TURN AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 200 FT AGL. THE ACFT CRASHED IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA APRX 1/4 MILE WEST OF THE ARPT. CAUSE OF THE ENG FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7759Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7759Z-2012-10-22), registration cancelled 2012-10-22, S/N 25-3947, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-3947
- Airframe hours: 2807
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Thompson Flyers Of Marlin,Inc.
- Registered owner: James F. Seale
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 24, 1986, 40 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 15,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 150 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ACT, 25 nm away

## 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 19860913045119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860913045119A), Sep 13, 1986: Piper PA25235, Marlin, TX, Destroyed. Engine failed at about 200 feet aglon takeoff, cause undetermined. Crash occurred in heavily wooded area.

## Other investigations on N7759Z (2)

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.

- [NTSB FTW79DRD51](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW79DRD51), Sep 6, 1979: Piper PA-25 (N7759Z), White Castle, LA, substantial damage
- [NTSB FTW68F0103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW68F0103), Aug 4, 1967: Piper PA-25 (N7759Z), Belle Rose, LA, substantial damage

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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