# NTSB FTW95LA149: Piper PA-25-235, N4900Y, Catoosa, OK, March 30, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 30, 1995, 07:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Catoosa, OK
- Coordinates: 36.17947, -95.759109 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1795&lon=-95.7591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19378
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19378/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA149

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN AND OBSTACLE CLEARANCE.

## 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 - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AERIAL APPLICATION STUDENT WAS PRACTICING SWATHS OVER THE TREES. THE INSTRUCTOR, WHO WAS MAINTAINING RADIO CONTACT WITH THE PILOT FROM THE GROUND, OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE'S WHEELS CONTACT THE TREES AS THE PILOT COMPLETED A TURN AROUND MANEUVER. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED THROUGH THE TREES COMING TO REST IN A NOSE DOWN VERTICAL POSITION. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY A FAA INSPECTOR DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL OR STRUCTURAL ANOMALIES.

## Factual narrative

On March 30, 1995, at 0700 central standard time, a Piper    PA-25-235, N4900Y, was destroyed while maneuvering near Catoosa, Oklahoma.  The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight.

During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the flight instructor reported that the hopper was loaded with water and the aerial application  student was practicing swaths over the trees.  The instructor, who was maintaining radio contact with the pilot and observing the airplane from the ground, observed the airplane's wheels contact the trees as the pilot completed a turn around maneuver.  Subsequently, the airplane decelerated as it descended through trees for 310 feet before coming to rest in a nose down vertical position.

Examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed no mechanical or structural anomalies.  Both wings and fuselage were structurally damaged.

Repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4900Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4900Y-2012-12-18), registration cancelled 2012-12-18, S/N 25-4707, built 1968 (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: 25-4707
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Riggs Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: K11, CLAREMORE, OK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; commercial, foreign; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,126 total, 1,500 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 37 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUL, 15 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 19950330006509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950330006509A), Mar 30, 1995: Piper PA25235, Catoosa, OK, Substantial damage. Ag student practicing with water. Struck trees on turn around maneuver. Failed to send 6120.1.

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.

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