# NTSB LAX87DUJ09: Piper PA-25-235, N7328Z, San Simon, AZ, August 12, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: August 12, 1987, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: San Simon, AZ
- Coordinates: 31.999973, -109.210006 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.0000&lon=-109.2100&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25313
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87DUJ09
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25313/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DUJ09

## 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 (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A PULL UP FROM AN AERIAL APPLICATION SWATH RUN, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER LINE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED DURING DAYLIGHT IN VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7328Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7328Z-1989-05-11), registration cancelled 1989-05-11, S/N 253278 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 253278
- Airframe hours: 2320
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-L3C5D 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Tilleman, Paul E., doing business as New Tex Spraying Service
- Registered owner: Baker, Kenneth D
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Departed: 06, BOWIE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 6,500 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 6,400 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 25 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 31.00 inHg
- Observed at: TUS, 50 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 19870812045799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870812045799A), Aug 12, 1987: Piper PA25235, San Simon, AZ, Substantial damage. The wing struck a powerline and the agricultural spray aircraft hit the ground.

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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