# NTSB MKC87LA150: Piper PA-25-235, N7532Z, Columbus, NE, July 31, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1987, 07:10 local (12:10 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, NE
- Coordinates: 41.42965, -97.319519 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4297&lon=-97.3195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34422
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87LA150
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34422/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA150

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - aerial application equipment - failure,total (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PIC WAS POSITIONING HIS AG ACFT FOR A SPRAY JOB WHEN HE THOUGHT HE HAD A PBLM WITH THE ENG. A PRECAUTIONARY LNDG WAS DECIDED ON, BUT THE LNDG RESULTED IN SUBSTANTIAL DMGE TO THE ACFT. A SPRAY PUMP, POSND BENEATH THE ENG COWLING WHICH ROTATES BY MEANS OF A WOODEN PROPELLER HAD FAILED GIVING THE PIC THE IMPRESSION THAT HE HAD SUSTAINED A PARTIAL ENG FAILURE. DESPITE THE VIBRATION, THE ACFT WAS CAPABLE OF FLYING TO THE PROPOSED DESTINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7532Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7532Z), registered now, S/N 25-3576, built 1965 (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: 253576
- Airframe hours: 3750
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Don L. Bauermeister
- Registered owner: Don L Bauermeister
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 21, 1987
- Departed: BATTLECREEK, NE
- Destination: UTICA, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 9,000 total, 3,500 in this make and model, 6,970 as pilot in command, 105 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 135° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 95 °F

## 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 19870731040429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870731040429A), Jul 31, 1987: Piper PA25235, Columbus, NE, Substantial damage. Severe vibration and smoke en route. Pilot beleived engine problem. Crash landed. Found spray pump shaft broken.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.