# NTSB MKC90FA005: Piper PA-28, N6340R, Delavan, MN, October 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 8, 1989, 19:10 local (Oct 9, 1989, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Delavan, MN
- Coordinates: 43.759426, -94.010383 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7594&lon=-94.0104&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34871
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90FA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34871/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90FA005

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE DURING A LOW PASS, AND TO SEE-AND-AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS (INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT).  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  THE PILOT'S OSTENTATIOUS DISPLAY AND THE OBSTRUCTIONS (POWERLINES).

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - intentional, pilot in command
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

MOMENTS BEFORE IT CRASHED, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED IN A LOW PASS THAT WAS BELOW TREETOP LEVEL.  A PULL-UP WAS INITIATED, BUT THE ACFT HIT A POWERLINE AT ABOUT 24 TO 30 FT AGL.  THE POWERLINE STRETCHED, THEN FAILED & THE ACFT CRASHED IN A FIELD, 733 FT FROM THE INITIAL IMPACT POINT. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL PROBLEM WAS EVIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6340R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6340R-2013-04-29), registration cancelled 2013-04-29, S/N 28-21509, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-21509
- Airframe hours: 3
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary D. Berndt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 2, 1989, 45 hours before
- Departed: MAPLETON, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FRM

## 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 19891008039189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891008039189A), Oct 8, 1989: Piper PA28140, Delavan, MN, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Struck a powerline and crashed while flying at tree top level. Powerline would be difficult to see at dusk.

## Other investigations on N6340R (1)

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.

- [NTSB MKC67D0143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC67D0143), Jul 15, 1966: Piper PA-28 (N6340R), Redig, SD, substantial damage

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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