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NTSB Report

July 21, 1997 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8784L

Blackwell, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Blackwell, OK
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8784L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW97LA277

The pilot reported that after takeoff from a private strip, at approximately 300 feet AGL, the airplane's engine experienced a partial loss of power. A forced landing to a road was performed. During the landing sequence, the airplane's wing contacted 'tall weeds in [a] road ditch and pulled [the] airplane into [the] ditch.' The pilot shut down the engine after the airplane came to rest. An engine run was performed, and an FAA inspector, who attended the run, reported that the pilot 'reached in and started the engine; it ran smoothly. He advanced the throttle slightly, the engine accelerated smoothly.' The pilot reported that on the day of the accident, there was high temperature and high humidity. He 'suspected carb[uretor] icing.' Carburetor icing was not verified.

NTSB Probable Cause

partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors relating to the accident were: the high vegetation and ditch in the emergency landing area.

Full Narrative

On July 21, 1997, at 1130 central daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 agricultural airplane, N8784L, owned and operated by Lee Aviation, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff climb near Blackwell, Oklahoma. The commercial pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. A flight plan was not filed for the local flight that was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that after takeoff from a private strip, at approximately 300 feet AGL, the airplane's engine experienced a partial loss of power. A forced landing to a road was performed. During the forced landing sequence, the airplane's wing contacted "tall weeds in [a] road ditch and pulled [the] airplane into [the] ditch." The pilot shut down the engine after the airplane came to rest. The vertical stabilizers, the horizontal stabilizer and the aft section of the fuselage were damaged. The left wing was also bent. An engine run was performed and the FAA inspector who attended the run reported that the pilot "reached in and started the engine; it ran smoothly. He advanced the throttle slightly, the engine accelerated smoothly." The pilot reported that on the day of the accident, there was high temperature and high humidity, and that he "suspected carb[uretor] icing."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8784L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 35 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data