# NTSB MKC84LA176: Piper PA-36-375, N3953E, Storm Lake, IA, June 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 19, 1984, 07:00 local (12:00 UTC)
- Place: Storm Lake, IA
- Coordinates: 42.640903, -95.189033 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6409&lon=-95.1890&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33711
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84LA176
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33711/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA176

## 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)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - vertical stabilizer surface - overload
  - vertical stabilizer surface - separation
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE ON THE 2ND SWATH RUN, THE PLT MANEUVERED THE ACFT TO CROSS UNDER POWER LINES BORDERING THE EDGE OF THE CORN FIELD. HE SAID HE MISJUDGED THE DISTANCE TO CLEAR THE POWER LINES. THE VERTICAL STABILIZER & RUDDER STRUCK THE LINES & WERE TORN FROM THE ACFT. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER INTO A FIELD THAT LAY AHEAD, BUT THE ACFT BEGAN ROTATING TO THE RIGHT & DESCENDING. IT THEN STRUCK THE GROUND, RIGHT WING 1ST & WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3953E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3953E-2013-08-28), registration cancelled 2013-08-28, S/N 36-7802068, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-36-375
- Registry model: [Piper PA-36-375](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-36-375) (registry code 7103620) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-720 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-720-series) (registry code 41546, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 36-7802068
- Airframe hours: 570
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-720 375 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Bart'S Flying Service
- Registered owner: Barts Flying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 16, 1984, 14 hours before
- Departed: SLB, STORM LAKE, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 4,200 total, 570 in this make and model, 126 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SUX, 60 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 19840619051699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840619051699A), Jun 19, 1984: Piper PA36375, Storm Lake, IA, Substantial damage. Aircraft hit wires during swath run after turn and trying to go under wires.

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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