# NTSB MKC89LA137: Piper PA-25-235, N8846L, Clayton, KS, June 18, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1989, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Clayton, KS
- Coordinates: 39.729713, -100.169357 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7297&lon=-100.1694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Uncontrolled descent](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/650) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34812
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34812/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA137

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD BEEN CONDUCTING SWATH RUNS IN AN AGRICULTURAL SPRAY OPERATION. HE WAS MAKING A PROCEDURE TURN-AROUND TO FINISH UP THE FIELD WITH THE REMAINING CHEMICAL. ABOUT HALF-WAY THRU THE TURN THE PILOT REPORTEDLY ENCOUNTERED UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ALTITUDE AND IMPACT WITH RISING TERRAIN. THE PILOT REPORTED CHANGING WINDS AND DOWNDRAFTS IN THE AREA DURING THE SWATH RUNS. OFFICAL WX RECORDS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO CONFIRM THE WIND CONDITIONS. NO MECHANICAL DEFICIENCY WAS NOTED WITH THE AIRPLANE DURING POST ACCIDENT EXAM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8846L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8846L), registered now, S/N 25-5357, built 1971 (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 O-540-B2B5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-540-b2b5) (registry code 42337, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-53-57
- Airframe hours: 3567
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2C5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Richard E Shaw
- Registered owner: David Cozad-Cozad Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 26, 1989, 31 hours before
- Departed: NORCATUR, KS
- Destination: CLAYTON, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 2,648 total, 244 in this make and model, 2,533 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 14 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °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 19890618016119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890618016119A), Jun 18, 1989: Piper PA25235, Clayon, KS, Substantial damage. Struck the ground during a spray run. Believed caused by downdraft. Dust devils were in the area.

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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