# NTSB FTW92LA120: Piper PA-25-235, N7603Z, Madil, OK, April 23, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1992, 17:16 local (22:16 UTC)
- Place: Madil, OK
- Coordinates: 34.090488, -96.769012 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0905&lon=-96.7690&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 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18483
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18483/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA120

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE CLEARANCE WITH THE WIRES.  A FACTOR WAS THE EXISTING SUNGLARE.

## 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 - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED THREE POWER LINES WHILE SPRAYING INTO THE SETTING SUN. ONE OF THE WIRES REMAINED ENTANGLED TO THE RIGHT WING STRUT AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN HIGH VEGETATION TO AVOID AN INFLIGHT LOST OF CONTROL. DURING LANDING THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH SEVERAL SMALL TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7603Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7603Z-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 25-3696, built 1965 (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: 25-3696
- Airframe hours: 3522
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: John H. Satterwhite, doing business as Leonard Aerial Application
- Registered owner: John H. Satterwhite
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 28, 1992, 28 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; seat: front; flight hours: 20,000 total, 4,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ADM, 22 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 19920423041669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920423041669A), Apr 23, 1992: Piper PA25235, Madill, OK, Substantial damage. Struck wires on a spray run. Reported unseen due to setting sun.

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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