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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 15, 1998 · Piper PA-25-235 · N8553L

Blackfoot, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Blackfoot, ID
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-235
Tail Number
N8553L
Operator
Christensen William A
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA98LA097

The pilot of the agricultural airplane reported that he experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power during climb after takeoff, about 250 feet above ground. He stated that he dumped his fertilizer load, and attempted to maneuver to a nearby interstate highway for an emergency landing, but lost control of the aircraft prior to ground impact. The airplane was destroyed by collision with terrain and post-crash fire. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On June 15, 1998, approximately 0745 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-25-235 "Pawnee," N8553L, registered to and operated by Western Aviation, Inc., and being flown by a commercial pilot, was destroyed during collision with terrain during an emergency descent following a total power loss on initial climb. The pilot escaped with minor injuries and a post crash fire consumed the airframe. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was departing to apply fertilizer to a field, was to have been operated under 14CFR137. The pilot reported that at 250 feet above ground, after taking off on runway 19 at McCarley Field, Blackfoot, Idaho, he experienced a sudden and total loss of engine power. He reported dumping the fertilizer load, and attempting to maneuver to a nearby interstate highway for an emergency landing, but lost control of the aircraft prior to ground impact. The reason for the loss of power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-235
Tail NumberN8553L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorChristensen William A
Operating RulePart 137
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 46 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data