# NTSB FTW89DPJ06: Piper PA-18A, N6873B, Eva, OK, June 14, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1989, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Eva, OK
- Location: 36.7984° N, 101.9068° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Eva, OK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7984&lon=-101.9068&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22700
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89DPJ06
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22700/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89DPJ06

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S LIMITED VISUAL PERCEPTION DUE TO THE GROUND VEHICLE.

## 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 - sign
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS FLAGMAN'S PICKUP TRUCK BLOCKED HIS VIEW OF A RAILROAD CROSSING SIGN. DURING WHAT WAS TO HAVE BEEN THE FINAL SWATH RUN, THE TRUCK WAS MOVED REVEALING THE SIGN. THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO PULL UP, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH THE SIGN. THE AIRPLANE SUBSEQUENTLY IMPACTED UPRIGHT IN SOFT TERRAIN AND CAME TO REST ABOUT 100 FEET FROM THE SIGN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6873B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6873B), registered now, S/N 18-5053 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-18A
- Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-series) (registry code 42389, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18-5053
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Earl Free Sexton
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: EHA, ELKHART, KS
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 74; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 5,000 total, 3,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 12 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBL, 53 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 19890614015619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890614015619A), Jun 14, 1989: Piper PA18A150, Eva, OK, Substantial damage. Struck a railroad sign while spraying a toxic chemical. Has no agricuctural spraying certificate.

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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