# NTSB LAX89LA163: Piper PA-28, N7172R, Williams, AZ, August 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1989, 18:10 local (Aug 26, 1989, 01:10 UTC)
- Place: Williams, AZ
- Coordinates: 35.369155, -112.260932 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3692&lon=-112.2609&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26382
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26382/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA163

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN HIS VISUAL LOOKOUT AND FLYING LOW. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ONE INCH DIAMETER TELEPHONE CABLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS FLYING LOW PARALLELING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. SEVERAL OF THE PILOT'S EMPLOYEES WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE TIME AND SAW THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A ONE INCH DIAMETER TELEPHONE CABLE THAT TRAVERSED THE HIGHWAY BRINGING DOWN THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT'S EMPLOYEES BELIEVED HE DID NOT SEE THE CABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7172R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7172R-2014-11-13), registration cancelled 2014-11-13, S/N 28-21882, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-21882
- Airframe hours: 2751
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 D1A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allard M. Baker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 3, 1989, 49 hours before
- Departed: FLG, FLAGSTAFF, AZ
- Destination: L26, HESPERIA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 855 total, 600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 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 19890825031909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890825031909A), Aug 25, 1989: Piper PA28140, Williams, AZ, Destroyed. Flew low over I40 to view company truck. Struck wires and crashed on median. Pilot sustained severe brain injuries.

## Other investigations on N7172R (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.

- [NTSB LAX67D0278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX67D0278), Jan 27, 1967: Piper PA-28 (N7172R), El Monte, CA, substantial damage

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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