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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 30, 1995 · Piper PA-25-235 · N4900Y

Catoosa, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Catoosa, OK
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N4900Y
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW95LA149

THE AERIAL APPLICATION STUDENT WAS PRACTICING SWATHS OVER THE TREES. THE INSTRUCTOR, WHO WAS MAINTAINING RADIO CONTACT WITH THE PILOT FROM THE GROUND, OBSERVED THE AIRPLANE'S WHEELS CONTACT THE TREES AS THE PILOT COMPLETED A TURN AROUND MANEUVER. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED THROUGH THE TREES COMING TO REST IN A NOSE DOWN VERTICAL POSITION. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY A FAA INSPECTOR DID NOT DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL OR STRUCTURAL ANOMALIES.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN AND OBSTACLE CLEARANCE.

Full Narrative

On March 30, 1995, at 0700 central standard time, a Piper PA-25-235, N4900Y, was destroyed while maneuvering near Catoosa, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight. During an interview, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the flight instructor reported that the hopper was loaded with water and the aerial application student was practicing swaths over the trees. The instructor, who was maintaining radio contact with the pilot and observing the airplane from the ground, observed the airplane's wheels contact the trees as the pilot completed a turn around maneuver. Subsequently, the airplane decelerated as it descended through trees for 310 feet before coming to rest in a nose down vertical position. Examination of the airplane by a FAA inspector revealed no mechanical or structural anomalies. Both wings and fuselage were structurally damaged. Repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN4900Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B2B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:18
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data