# NTSB SEA92LA097: Piper PA-25-235, N4488Y, Chubbuck, ID, May 14, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1992, 08:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Chubbuck, ID
- Coordinates: 42.9295, -112.180572 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9295&lon=-112.1806&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41675
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA097
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41675/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA097

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. A FACTOR TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: A GUY WIRE.

## 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 - guy wire (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field

## Analysis

DURING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS AWARE OF AND HAD BEEN MANEUVERING UNDER THE POWER LINES THAT WERE NEAR THE FIELD. DURING A SWATH RUN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FIELD, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH AN UNMARKED GUY WIRE THAT THE PILOT WAS NOT AWARE OF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4488Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4488Y-2012-11-29), registration cancelled 2012-11-29, S/N 25-4151, built 1966 (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: 25-4151
- Airframe hours: 5639
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Novas, Don H.
- Registered owner: Novas, Don H.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, April 29, 1992, 75 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: center; flight hours: 15,000 total, 9,999 in this make and model, 300 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °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 19920514018869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920514018869A), May 14, 1992: Piper PA25235, Chubbuck, ID, Substantial damage. Struck a guy wire while flying under powerline causing a 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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