# NTSB SEA84LA093: Piper PA-25-235D, N9866P, Heppner, OR, April 22, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 22, 1984, 07:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Heppner, OR
- Coordinates: 45.310081, -119.580383 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3101&lon=-119.5804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39903
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA84LA093
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39903/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA84LA093

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - aerial application
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS MAKING A TURN BELOW THE LEE SIDE OF A RIDGE LINE AT AN ALT OF ABOUT 30 FT AGL. THE ACFT REPORTEDLY ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT & SETTLED INTO THE GROUND. DURING THIS OCCURRENCE, THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED, BUT NO OTHER MAJOR DAMAGE WAS INCURRED. SHORTLY AFTER COMING TO REST, THE ACFT BEGAN BURNING & WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9866P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9866P-2012-11-26), registration cancelled 2012-11-26, S/N 25-7556190, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235D
- 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: 15-7556190
- Airframe hours: 1467
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-G1A5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Registered owner: A. Wayne Seitz & Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, December 5, 1983
- Departed: HEPPNER, OR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 892 total, 180 in this make and model, 785 as pilot in command, 133 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 3 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 52 °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 19840422014319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840422014319A), Apr 22, 1984: Piper PA25235, Heppner, OR, Destroyed. Pilot claims downdraft caused aircraft to crash during aerial application flight. Airplane burned after crash.

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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