# NTSB MKC89DCA01: Piper PA-25-235, N6579Z, Auxvasse, MO, June 14, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1989, 11:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Auxvasse, MO
- Coordinates: 39.010719, -91.889076 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0107&lon=-91.8891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34651
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89DCA01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34651/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DCA01

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED, RESULTING IN AN INADVERTANT STALL.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - airspeed(vs) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A WITNESS OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE FLYING TO THE NORTHWEST, BANKING TO THE NORTHEAST BEFORE IT SUDDENLY WENT INTO A 'TAILSPIN' AND CRASHED. THE WIND WAS OUT OF THE NORTHWEST AT 7 KNOTS. THE AIRPLANE WAS ENGAGED IN AN AERIAL APPLICATION OPERATION WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6579Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6579Z-2004-11-12), registration cancelled 2004-11-12, S/N 25-2133, 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: 25-2133
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Rufener, James E, doing business as Rufener Spraying Service
- Registered owner: Rufener'S Spraying Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1988
- Departed: H41, MEXICO, MO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 601 total, 143 in this make and model, 432 as pilot in command, 161 in the last 90 days, 143 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890614015589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890614015589A), Jun 14, 1989: Piper PA25235, Auxvasse, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled and spun in on climbout from spray field. Pilot died in fire, had been exposed to highly toxic chemical.

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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