# NTSB MKC87LA060: Piper PA-25-235, N6540Z, Carlisle, AR, March 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 3, 1987, 11:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Carlisle, AR
- Coordinates: 34.780723, -91.739746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7807&lon=-91.7397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34350
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34350/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA060

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, cruise - normal
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PIC WAS CLIMBING ENROUTE TO A FIELD TO SPREAD FERTILIZER. ABT 2 MINUTES INTO THE CLIMB THE ACFT ENG QUIT. THE FORCED LANDING SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED THE ACFT. THE PIC COMMENTED IN HIS RPT THAT HE SHOULD HAVE CHECKED FUEL BEFORE DEPARTURE EVEN THOUGH HE HAD ALSO STATED IN THE REPORT THAT HE CHKD FUEL BEFORE DEPARTURE FM THE AG STRIP. THERE WAS NO REASON DISCOVERED FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6540Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6540Z-2018-01-25), registration cancelled 2018-01-25, S/N 25-2079, built 1962 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 252079
- Airframe hours: 3200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-540 B3B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Parker Aviation,Inc.
- Registered owner: Parker Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 2, 1987

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 2,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 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 19870303004499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870303004499A), Mar 3, 1987: Piper PA25235, Carlisle, AR, Substantial damage. The engine failed and the agricultural apray aircraft landed in a wheat field. Suspect water in fuel.

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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