# NTSB MKC85FA024: Piper PA-28RT-201, N2894S, Cozad, NE, November 20, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 19, 1984, 22:43 local (Nov 20, 1984, 04:43 UTC)
- Place: Cozad, NE
- Coordinates: 40.85979, -99.980041 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8598&lon=-99.9800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33810
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA024
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33810/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA024

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight briefing service - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINE WHILE ON A BUSINESS FLT. INVESTIGATION REVALED IMC EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE PLT DID NOT FILE A FLT PLAN, THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A WX BRIEFING AND THERE WERE NO KNOWN COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE ACFT. THE CABLE WAS STRUCK AT APRX 106 FT ABOVE ROLLING TERRAIN. NO MALFUNCTIONS OF THE ACFT OR IMPAIRMENT OF THE PLT WAS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2894S (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28RT-201 (PA-28RT-20)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R7918202
- Airframe hours: 2317
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: James E. Zietlow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 31, 1984, 66 hours before
- Departed: LNK, LINCOLN, NE
- Destination: LBF, NORTH PLATTE, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 4 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LBF, 35 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 19841119063469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841119063469A), Nov 19, 1984: Piper PA28RT201, Cozad, NE, Destroyed. Struck powerlines at night in IFR weather. Carried a portion of cable in propeller until impact.

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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