# NTSB LAX89DUJ02: Piper PA-25-235, N7229Z, Glendale, AZ, October 23, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1988, 08:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Glendale, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.530124, -112.180351 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5301&lon=-112.1804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26128
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89DUJ02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26128/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89DUJ02

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering - aerial application
  - wing,bracing strut - corroded (cause)
  - maintenance,inspection - poor, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - wing,bracing strut - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE RIGHT WING SUDDENLY WENT UP THEN DOWN. THE AIRPLANE ROLLED TO THE RIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE LIFT STRUT WAS BROKEN. EVIDENCE OF CORROSION WAS PRESENT AT THE BREAK ALONG WITH CORROSION NOTED THROUGHOUT THE AIRFRAME.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7229Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-3255
- Airframe hours: 4191
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: M & J Spray Inc.
- Registered owner: H.D. Murphy
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 20, 1988, 264 hours before
- Departed: GLENDALE, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 15,000 total, 8,000 in this make and model, 15,000 as pilot in command, 300 in the last 90 days, 75 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F

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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