# NTSB LAX83LA213: Piper PA-25-235, N4709Y, Healdsburg, CA, May 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1983, 08:10 local (15:10 UTC)
- Place: Healdsburg, CA
- Coordinates: 38.629096, -122.889694 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6291&lon=-122.8897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23696
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX83LA213
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23696/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX83LA213

## 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
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

BEFORE STARTING HIS DUSTING OPERATION, THE PLT HAD OBSERVED THE GRAPE VINEYARD & MADE PLANS TO BEGIN ON THE FOLLOWING DAY. HE REPORTED OBSERVING THE POWER LINES THAT WERE SUSPENDED ACROSS THE VINEYARD. HOWEVER, HE DID NOT NOTICE THE ANCHOR WIRE THAT WAS LOCATED BENEATH THE POWER LINES. THE WIRE EXTENDED APRX 600 FT FROM A TOWER ON A HILL TO A POLE IN THE VINEYARD. DURING A SWATH RUN UNDER THE POWER LINES, THE ACFT STRUCK THE ANCHOR WIRE, THEN CRASHED & BURNED. THE PLT BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE BEGAN WHEN SULFER DUST SPILLED ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4709Y (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-4441
- Airframe hours: 4271
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Mr. & Mrs. Boots
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 10, 1982
- Departed: 031, HEALDSBURG, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 7,000 total, 5,000 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19830504017129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830504017129A), May 4, 1983: Piper PA25235, Healdsburg, CA, Destroyed. Aircraft hit anchor wires and crashed during aerial application operation.

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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