# NTSB MKC85FA179: Piper PA-25-235, N8941L, Palisade, NE, August 10, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 10, 1985, 13:12 local (18:12 UTC)
- Place: Palisade, NE
- Coordinates: 40.343277, -101.11375 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.3433&lon=-101.1137&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33848
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33848/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA179

## 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
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE ON A SWATH RUN OVER A CORNFIELD, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER UNDER POWER LINES THAT WERE SPANNING A LARGE DITCH. THE RIGHT WING STRUCK ONE OF THE THREE LOWER CABLES WHICH CUT INTO THE WING STRUCTURE. THE CABLE FINALLY SEPARATED RELEASING THE ACFT. THE ACFT BEGAN TO ROLL INVERTED & IMPACTED THE GROUND WITH THE LEFT WING FOLLOWED BY THE FUSELAGE. THE IMPACT & ENSUING FIRE DESTROYED THE ACFT. THE PLT DID NOT REMEMBER ESCAPING FROM THE BURNING ACFT. THE LOWER SET OF CABLES WERE LEVEL WITH THE DITCH RIM & WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE IN FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8941L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8941L-1990-02-13), registration cancelled 1990-02-13, S/N 255406 (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: 255406
- Airframe hours: 4517
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2C5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: Ron L. Uehlin
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 23, 1985
- Departed: PALISADE, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 4,175 total, 2,500 in this make and model, 4,100 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MCK, 21 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 19850810040529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850810040529A), Aug 10, 1985: Piper PA25235, Palisade, NE, Destroyed. Struck powerlines during spray run. Aircraft impacted ground and burned.

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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