# NTSB FTW96LA083: Piper PA-22-160, N9591D, Waller, TX, December 22, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 22, 1995, 16:05 local (22:05 UTC)
- Place: Waller, TX
- Coordinates: 30.050401, -95.919273 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.0504&lon=-95.9193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 21, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19735
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA083
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19735/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA083

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

On short final, 300 to 400 feet from the runway threshold, the pilot realized that the power lines were immediately ahead and very slightly below.  He momentarily added power and increased pitch attitude, but contacted the uppermost power line with left main gear.  The airplane then impacted the runway and the nose and left main gear collapsed. There were no aerial marking balls installed on the power line.

## Factual narrative

On December 22, 1995, at 1605 central standard time, a Piper PA- 22-160, N9591D, collided with a power line while on final approach to Skylake Airport near Waller, Texas.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and two passengers were not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he was on final, "300 to 400 feet from the end of runway 35," when he "realized that the power lines were immediately ahead and very slightly below."  He "momentarily added power and increased pitch attitude, but contacted uppermost power line with left main gear."  After the collision, the airplane impacted the runway "somewhat hard," and the nose and left main landing gear collapsed.  Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane and reported the fuselage was wrinkled and the firewall was damaged.  There were no aerial marking balls installed on the power line.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9591D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9591D-2018-03-15), registration cancelled 2018-03-15, S/N 22-6498, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-160) (registry code 7102214) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-6498
- Airframe hours: 2037
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mark A. Herrington
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 15, 1995, 17 hours before
- Departed: 3XS7
- Airport: 3XS7, Skylake, runway 35, 3,000 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 177 total, 25 in this make and model, 148 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## 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 19951222049669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951222049669A), Dec 22, 1995: Piper PA22160, Waller, TX, Substantial damage. (-16) [privacy data omitted]

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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