# NTSB FTW94LA126: Piper PA-25-260, N4647Y, Muskogee, OK, April 16, 1994 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 16, 1994, 08:20 local (13:20 UTC) - Place: Muskogee, OK - Coordinates: 35.720119, -95.469261 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.7201&lon=-95.4693&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19033 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW94LA126 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19033/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW94LA126 ## Probable cause THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH THE POWER LINE. FACTORS WERE A CHEMICAL SPRAY CONTAMINATED WINDSCREEN, THE RESULTANT LIMITATION TO VISIBILITY, AND SUN GLARE. ## 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 - window,flight compartment window/windshield - contamination (contributing factor) - fluid - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor) - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor) - object - wire,static(marked) (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis DURING AN AGRICULTURE SPRAY RUN THE CHEMICAL PARTIALLY COVERED THE WINDSCREEN AND COMBINED WITH SUN GLARE, OBSCURED THE PILOT'S VISION. THE AIRCRAFT FLEW INTO A POWER LINE AND HOOKED THE TAIL WHEEL ON IT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE GROUND NOSE GEAR FIRST. ## Factual narrative On April 16, 1994, at 0820 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25- 260, N4647Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Muskogee, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the aerial application flight. In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that the chemical he was spraying partially covered the windshield and combined with windshield glare obscured his view. He further stated that he struck a power line. During the wire strike the tail wheel hooked on the wire and the aircraft impacted the ground nose gear first. The aircraft was released to the owner. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4647Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4647Y-2009-09-30), registration cancelled 2009-09-30, S/N 25-4367, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-260 - 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: 25-4367 - Airframe hours: 5474 - Engines: LYCOMING O-540-G1A5 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Aerial application, Part 137 - Registered owner: Cox, Eual W. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1994, 100 hours before ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 59; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 13,400 total, 6,500 in this make and model, 13,400 as pilot in command, 100 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 270° at 4 knots, gusting 10 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 41 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: TUL, 32 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 19940416007939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940416007939A), Apr 16, 1994: Piper PA25260, Muskogee, OK, Substantial damage. Tail wheel caught on power line during pullup from spray run. Impacted ground nose first. Chemical on windshield. ## Other investigations on N4647Y (1) 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 FTW76FRJ21](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76FRJ21), Apr 22, 1976: Piper PA-25 (N4647Y), Crowville, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.