# NTSB MKC89DPG03: PZL-Mielec M-18, N2730D, Parkin, AR, July 28, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 28, 1989, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Parkin, AR
- Coordinates: 35.25922, -90.550827 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2592&lon=-90.5508&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): 34661
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89DPG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34661/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89DPG03

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT ADEQUATE TO HAVE AVOIDED THE POWERLINES.

## 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
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - aerial application
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE FLY INTO POWERLINES DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION MANUEVER. AFTER STRIKING THE WIRES, THE AIRPLANE PITCHED UP, THEN NOSED DOWN TO TERRAIN IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2730D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2730D-1994-06-08), registration cancelled 1994-06-08, S/N 1Z00803 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PZL-Mielec M-18
- Registry model: [Wsk-Pzl-Mielec PZL-M-18](https://openairdocs.org/model/wsk-pzl-mielec-pzl-m-18) (registry code 9810102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: IZ008-03
- Airframe hours: 1069
- Engines: P&W PT6A-45A 1120 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Dennie Stokes, doing business as Stokes Flying Ser.Inc.
- Registered owner: Turbines, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 21, 1989, 585 hours before
- Departed: PARKIN, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 11,008 total, 260 in the last 90 days, 145 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19890728025579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890728025579A), Jul 28, 1989: Wsk M18DROMADER, Parkin, AR, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Flew into powerlines and crashed during agricultural application.

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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